Jackson Koivun earned an unexpected invitation to represent Team USA in this month’s Presidents Cup, just a few months after he turned professional. The 21‑year‑old’s rapid rise follows a stellar amateur résumé and a breakthrough win on the PGA Tour, and his selection comes as former world No. 1 Jason Day was omitted from the International Team roster. Koivun’s journey to the elite competition has been nothing short of meteoric.
After a glittering amateur career that included multiple national titles and a reputation as one of the most promising young players in the United States, he decided to turn pro immediately after the U.S. Open in June.
Only three starts later, he captured the 3M Open, a PGA Tour event that not only secured his first professional victory but also propelled him into the season‑ending FedExCup Playoffs. That win demonstrated his ability to handle pressure on golf’s biggest stages and signaled that he could compete with the sport’s established stars. By being named among captain Brandt Snedeker’s six captain’s picks, Koivun becomes the youngest American to appear in a Presidents Cup since Jordan Spieth’s debut in 2015.
The event, set for the historic Medinah Country Club, offers Team USA the chance to chase an unprecedented 11th consecutive victory in the biennial showdown against the International Team. Koivun joins two other newcomers—Chris Gotterup, a three‑time PGA Tour winner this season, and Genesis Invitational champion Jacob Bridgeman—who were also revealed during a live television broadcast on Tuesday.
Snedeker praised the teenager’s composure, noting that “it’s rare to see a player this young demonstrate the level of poise and confidence that Jackson has, even before turning professional. His maturity and work ethic have always stood out. He’s already proven he can win on the biggest stage in golf on the PGA Tour, and I’m excited to watch him perform in his first team event.” The captain’s remarks underline the confidence the United States leadership has in Koivun’s ability to contribute meaningfully, even in a team format that differs from the individual nature of most tour events. To round out the 12‑man squad, Snedeker leaned heavily on experience.
Veteran stalwarts such as Xander Schauffele, Justin Thomas and Patrick Cantlay were each recalled for their fourth Presidents Cup appearance, providing a solid backbone of seasoned competitors. Meanwhile, several high‑profile players missed out on the final roster.
Ben Griffin and last year’s U.S. Open champion JJ Spaun were left on the outside, and even Gary Woodland—despite a win at the Texas Children’s Houston Open in March and five top‑10 finishes on the tour—will serve as a captain’s assistant rather than a playing member.
The International Team’s selections sparked their own discussion. Former world No. 1 Jason Day, who topped the International qualification rankings, was the most notable absentee after captain Geoff Ogilvy decided not to give him a spot.
Day’s season was hampered by injuries and a dip in form that prevented him from qualifying for the FedExCup Playoffs for the first time since 2007. In contrast, seasoned International players such as Sungjae Im (returning for a fourth appearance) and Corey Conners (making his third appearance after narrowly missing an automatic berth) secured their places. Christiaan Bezuidenhurlt, who earned a third straight invitation, was highlighted by Ogilvy: “Christiaan has experience in this event that would have been difficult to leave on the table.
He’s earned 3.5 points in five matches, including two singles victories. He knows what to expect and he delivers. That’s why I selected him.” Rookies joining the International side include Cognizant Classic champion Nico Echavarria, Canada’s Nick Taylor and Japan’s Ryo Hisatsune, each bringing fresh energy to the competition.
The United States qualification period spanned the start of the 2025 PGA Tour season through the BMW Championship on August 23. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler led the automatic qualifiers, followed by Players Championship winner Cameron Young and U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark.
Additional automatic spots went to Sam Burns, Russell Henley and Collin Morikawa—all members of last year’s Ryder Cup team—demonstrating the depth of talent available to Snedeker. On the International side, the qualification window ran from September 8 to the Tour Championship on August 30, using Official World Golf Ranking points to determine the six automatic qualifiers.
Si Woo Kim topped the list, securing his fourth Presidents Cup appearance, while Ryan Fox earned his debut after capturing The Open at Royal Birkdale. Other returning veterans included Hideki Matsuyama, Min Woo Lee, Tom Kim and Adam Scott.
The Presidents Cup will be contested from September 24‑27, with live coverage on Sky Sports Golf and streaming options available without a contract via NOW. Fans can also explore additional Sky Sports deals and enjoy related golf content, such as highlights of how Team USA clinched the 2024 Presidents Cup and interviews with the newly appointed 2026 Team USA captain. The event promises high‑stakes match play, national pride, and the chance for rising stars like Jackson Koivun to make a lasting impression on the international stage.