2026 Presidents Cup: Format, Points and Tee Times Explained

The 2026 Presidents Cup opens Thursday at Medinah, where the United States will try to extend a run of dominance that dates to the event's 1994 debut. The U.S. holds an all-time record of 13-1-1, with the International Team's only victory coming in 1998.

How does the Presidents Cup format differ from the Ryder Cup?

The Presidents Cup runs four days instead of three, and the target score is higher. Teams play toward 15.5 points rather than the Ryder Cup's 14.5, and if the match finishes tied at 15-15, the United States retains the cup as the defending team. Matches are split across fourball, foursomes and singles sessions, with Saturday carrying four fourball matches in the morning and four foursomes matches in the afternoon.

A tie at Medinah is enough for the U.S. to keep the cup; the International Team needs an outright win.

Opening ceremonies take place 30 minutes before the first tee time Thursday, and a closing ceremony follows the last putt Sunday. Tuesday and Wednesday are set aside as team practice days, with Medinah closed to the public on Monday.