No press release, no PGA Tour statement first. Donald Trump will be honorary chairman of the 2026 Presidents Cup, played from 24 to 27 September at Medinah Country Club outside Chicago, and he says he plans to be there in person.
“At the request of the PGA Tour and its excellent new commissioner, Brian Rolapp, I am honored to accept the honorary chairmanship of the upcoming Presidents Cup,” he wrote, praising the talent on both rosters before signing off with a “see you in Chicago”.
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Seven presidents, one job, and a role that has never been strictly American
Trump has done this before. He held the same title in 2017 at Liberty National in New Jersey, during his first term, when the United States ran out 19-11 winners over the Internationals. He also turned up for the opening round of last year’s Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.
Six former presidents held the position before him: Joe Biden, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H. W. Bush and Gerald Ford.
Non-Americans get a turn too. Justin Trudeau helped hand over the trophy at Royal Montreal in 2024. Scott Morrison and Park Geun-hye have both taken the role in past editions.
The PGA Tour is not treating this as a problem
Rolapp addressed it head-on. “The Presidents Cup has a long tradition of involvement from leaders around the world, beyond political divides, and President Trump’s participation continues that legacy,” the commissioner said, arguing the appointment lifts the event’s profile internationally.
Brandt Snedeker captains the United States. Geoff Ogilvy, the Australian, leads the International side. Medinah is under a month away.
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