Donald Trump is set to reprise his role as honorary chairman for the Presidents Cup, the PGA Tour announced Saturday. The former president previously held this position for the 2017 event. The 2026 Presidents Cup is scheduled to take place from September 22-27 at the renowned Medinah Country Club, located near Chicago.
A Familiar Role for the Former President
This appointment marks a return to a familiar position for Donald Trump, who served as the honorary chairman for the 2017 Presidents Cup held at Liberty National Golf Club in New Jersey. During that event, he participated in the trophy ceremony following the U.S. Team’s decisive 19-11 victory over the International Team.
The PGA Tour highlighted the tournament’s history of engaging with global leaders. PGA Tour Commissioner Brian Rolapp stated, “The Presidents Cup has a proud tradition of engaging world leaders from across the globe and across political lines, and President Trump’s involvement continues that legacy.” He further elaborated that Trump’s participation is expected to “elevate the event on the international stage while furthering our mission of bringing people together through the game of golf.”
Presidents Cup: A Global Golfing Showdown
The Presidents Cup is a team golf competition that pits a 12-player U.S. Team against a 12-player International Team. For the upcoming 2026 event at Medinah, the American squad will be captained by Brandt Snedeker, while the International Team will be led by Australian golfer Geoff Ogilvy.
Trump Accepts the Honorary Role
Trump confirmed his acceptance of the role via a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, which was later shared by the White House on X. He expressed his honor in accepting the position at the request of the PGA Tour and Commissioner Brian Rolapp. Trump described the upcoming event as “particularly exciting,” noting that “Both teams are ‘loaded’ with Talent.” He added, “I look forward to being there, and greeting all of these fantastic athletes, on both teams!”
A Legacy of Presidential Involvement
Donald Trump becomes the seventh U.S. president to hold the title of honorary chairman for the Presidents Cup. This esteemed group includes Joe Biden, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Gerald Ford, underscoring the event’s connection to the highest levels of American leadership.
About the Presidents Cup
The Presidents Cup, established in 1994, is a biennial team golf competition contested between a team representing the United States and an International Team representing the rest of the world, excluding Europe (which competes in the Ryder Cup). The event operates under a similar format to the Ryder Cup but features a broader international field. Unlike the Ryder Cup, the Presidents Cup does not raise money for charity; instead, proceeds from the event are distributed to charities chosen by the players and captains from both teams. The competition aims to foster goodwill and friendly rivalry among golfers from different nations, promoting the sport on a global scale.
Medinah Country Club: A Historic Venue
The choice of Medinah Country Club as the venue for the 2026 Presidents Cup brings the prestigious event to a course with a rich history in major championships. Located just outside Chicago, Medinah has hosted three U.S. Opens (1949, 1975, 1990) and two PGA Championships (1999, 2006). It is also famously known for the dramatic 2012 Ryder Cup, where the European team, led by captain Davis Love III, staged a remarkable comeback on the final day to defeat the U.S. Team. The course’s challenging layout and storied past make it a fitting stage for high-stakes international golf competition.
Looking Ahead
With Donald Trump stepping into the honorary chairman role once again, and a historic venue like Medinah set to host, the 2026 Presidents Cup promises to be a significant event in the golf calendar. The PGA Tour’s continued tradition of involving prominent figures aims to enhance the tournament’s profile and its message of unity through sport.
