Jackson Koivun has earned a spot on Team USA for this month’s Presidents Cup, marking his first appearance in the prestigious biennial competition only a few months after turning professional. The 21‑year‑old’s rapid ascent follows a stellar amateur career and a breakthrough win on the PGA Tour, and it comes as former world No.
1 Jason Day was left off the International Team. Koivun’s journey to the world stage began with a glittering amateur résumé that included multiple national titles and strong showings in elite amateur events. He turned pro immediately after the 2024 U.S.
Open in June, and just three starts later he captured the 3M Open, a victory that vaulted him into the FedExCup Playoffs and signaled his readiness to compete with the sport’s elite. His win at the 3M Open made him the youngest American to claim a PGA Tour title since the early 2010s, and it also secured his place among the top‑ranked U.S. players for the Presidents Cup selection process. When captain Brandt Snedeker announced his 12‑man roster on a live television broadcast, Koivun was listed as one of six captain’s picks.
The decision makes Koivun the youngest American to feature in the Presidents Cup since Jordan Spieth’s debut in 2015. Snedeker also selected two other newcomers—three‑time PGA Tour winner Chris Gotterup and Genesis Invitational champion Jacob Bridgeman—joining a core of seasoned veterans such as Xander Schauffele, Justin Thomas and Patrick Cantlay, each of whom is returning for a fourth Presidents Cup appearance. "It’s rare to see a player this young demonstrate the level of poise and confidence that Jackson has, even before turning professional," Snedeker said during the announcement. "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 picks were deliberately balanced with experience, ensuring that the United States squad retained a strong backbone of proven performers while also injecting fresh talent. The veteran trio of Schauffele, Thomas and Cantlay provides stability and leadership, having accumulated dozens of points in previous Presidents Cups.
Meanwhile, Koivun, Gotterup and Bridgeman bring youthful energy and a hunger to prove themselves on an international platform. Not everyone who hoped for a spot made the team. Notable omissions included Ben Griffin and last year’s U.S.
Open champion JJ Spaun, both of whom have enjoyed solid seasons but fell short of the captain’s criteria. Gary Woodland, despite winning the Texas Children’s Houston Open in March and recording five top‑10 finishes, will serve as a captain’s assistant rather than a playing member. On the International side, the selection process produced its own surprises.
Former world No. 1 Jason Day was the highest‑ranked player in the International qualification rankings who did not receive a captain’s pick from Geoff Ogilvy. Day’s season was hampered by injuries and a dip in form, preventing him from qualifying for the FedExCup Playoffs for the first time since 2007.
The International roster features a blend of seasoned campaigners and fresh faces. Sungjae Im returns for his fourth Presidents Cup, while Corey Conners makes his third appearance after narrowly missing an automatic qualification. Christiaan Bezuidenhout secures his third consecutive spot, a decision Ogilvy defended by highlighting Bezuidenhout’s 3.5 points from five matches, including two singles victories, which demonstrate his reliability under pressure.
Newcomers such as Cognizant Classic winner Nico Echavarria, Canadian Nick Taylor and Japan’s Ryo Hisatsune have also earned rookie berths. Qualification for Team USA ran from the start of the 2025 PGA Tour season through the BMW Championship on August 23. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler topped the automatic qualifiers, followed by Players Championship champion Cameron Young and U.S.
Open winner Wyndham Clark. Additional automatic qualifiers included Sam Burns, Russell Henley and Collin Morikawa, all of whom were part of last year’s Ryder Cup team.
The International Team’s qualification window spanned from September 8 to the Tour Championship on August 30, using Official World Golf Ranking points to determine the six automatic spots. South Korean Si Woo Kim led the standings, securing his fourth Presidents Cup appearance.
Ryan Fox earned a debut after capturing The Open at Royal Birkdale, while Hideki Matsuyama, Min Woo Lee, Tom Kim and veteran Adam Scott returned for further service. As the competition approaches, the United States aims to extend its record‑setting streak of eleven consecutive Presidents Cup victories. The event will be contested at Medinah Country Club from September 24‑27, with live coverage on Sky Sports Golf and streaming options available through NOW. Fans can expect a blend of seasoned leaders and hungry newcomers, each eager to contribute points for their side.
Koivun’s inclusion adds a compelling storyline to the narrative: a young player who has already demonstrated the ability to win on the PGA Tour, now stepping onto a stage where teamwork, national pride, and strategic match play converge. His performance will be closely watched, not only by American supporters but also by golf analysts eager to gauge how the next generation of U.S. talent will shape the future of international competition.
Whether he thrives under the pressure or learns valuable lessons from the experience, Koivun’s debut marks a significant milestone in a career that appears destined for further success.