Jackson Koivun has earned a spot on Team USA for this month’s Presidents Cup, marking his first appearance in the prestigious event just months after turning professional. The 21‑year‑old’s rapid rise comes on the heels of a standout amateur career and a breakthrough victory on the PGA Tour, while former world No. 1 Jason Day was left off the International Team roster. Koivun’s journey to the Presidents Cup began with a glittering amateur résumé that included multiple national titles and strong showings in elite amateur championships.
He decided to turn pro after the U.S. Open in June, and within three starts he captured the 3M Open, a win that instantly vaulted him into the season‑ending FedExCup Playoffs.
That triumph not only validated his decision to leave the amateur ranks but also demonstrated that he could compete – and win – against the world’s best. By being named one of Brandt Snedeker’s six captain’s picks, Koivun becomes the youngest American to compete in the Presidents Cup since Jordan Spieth’s debut in 2015.
The event will be held at Medinah Country Club, where Team USA is chasing an unprecedented 11th straight victory in the biennial competition. Snedeker, who serves as the United States captain, highlighted Koivun’s poise and confidence, noting that such composure is rare for a player so early in his professional career. "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," Snedeker said. Koivun joins two other newcomers on Snedeker’s list: Chris Gotterup, a three‑time PGA Tour winner this season, and Jacob Bridgeman, the recent Genesis Invitational champion.
The three debutants were revealed during a live television broadcast on Tuesday, adding a fresh dynamic to a squad that also features seasoned veterans such as Xander Schauffele, Justin Thomas and Patrick Cantlay, each returning for a fourth Presidents Cup appearance. While Koivun enjoys the spotlight, several high‑profile American players were omitted.
Ben Griffin and last year’s U.S. Open champion JJ Spaun did not make the team, and veteran Gary Woodland, despite winning the Texas Children’s Houston Open in March and posting five top‑10 finishes, will serve only as a captain’s assistant. The selections underscore Snedeker’s strategy of blending youthful vigor with experienced reliability.
On the International side, former world No. 1 Jason Day was the highest‑ranked player to miss out on a captain’s pick from Geoff Ogilvy. Day’s season was hampered by inconsistent form and lingering fitness concerns, resulting in his first failure to qualify for the FedExCup Playoffs since 2007. In contrast, the International lineup includes returning stalwarts like Sungjae Im, who is set for his fourth appearance, and Corey Conners, making his third turn after narrowly missing an automatic berth.
Christiaan Bezuidenhout secured his third consecutive Presidents Cup slot, a decision Ogilvy defended by citing Bezuidenhout’s 3.5 points from five matches, including two singles victories, which demonstrate his reliability under pressure. Rookie selections for the International team feature Cognizant Classic champion Nico Echavarria, Canada’s Nick Taylor, and Japan’s Ryo Hisatsune, each bringing fresh talent to the competition.
The United States qualification period spanned from 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 qualifiers included Sam Burns, Russell Henley and Collin Morikawa, all of whom were part of last year’s Ryder Cup team.
Meanwhile, the International Team’s qualification window ran from September 8 to the Tour Championship on August 30, using Official World Golf Ranking points to determine the six automatic spots. Si Woo Kim topped the list, securing his fourth Presidents Cup appearance, while Ryan Fox earned a debut after capturing The Open at Royal Birkdale. Other returning International players 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.
Fans can also stream the event without a contract via the NOW platform. As the competition approaches, all eyes will be on the blend of seasoned veterans and eager newcomers like Jackson Koivun, whose rapid ascent from amateur standout to PGA Tour winner and now international team member exemplifies the ever‑evolving landscape of professional golf.