Jackson Koivun has earned a spot on Team USA for the upcoming 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 an impressive amateur résumé and a stunning victory at the PGA Tour's 3M Open, which came just three starts after he left the amateur ranks following the U.S.
Open in June. That win not only secured his entry into the season‑ending FedExCup Playoffs but also signaled his readiness to compete at the highest level of the sport. Koivun’s selection makes him the youngest American to play in the Presidents Cup since Jordan Spieth’s debut in 2015. Captain Brandt Snedeker chose him as one of six captain’s picks for the 2025 edition, which will be contested at Medinah Country Club.
The United States team is looking to extend its record streak to an eleventh consecutive victory, and Snedeker believes Koivun’s composure and confidence set him apart from his peers. "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 live television reveal on Tuesday.
"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." Koivun was announced alongside two other newcomers: Chris Gotterup, a three‑time PGA Tour winner this season, and Jacob Bridgeman, the recent Genesis Invitational champion. The trio joins a core of seasoned veterans that Snedeker kept for the remainder of the 12‑man roster, including Xander Schauffele, Justin Thomas and Patrick Cantlay, each of whom is returning for a fourth Presidents Cup appearance.
The captain’s picks also meant that several high‑profile players missed out. Former world No. 1 Jason Day, who topped the International Team qualification rankings, was left off the International side by captain Geoff Ogilvy after a season hampered by injuries and a failure to qualify for the FedExCup Playoffs for the first time since 2007.
On the U.S. side, Ben Griffin and 2023 U.S. Open champion JJ Spaun were omitted, while Gary Woodland will serve as a captain’s assistant despite a win at the Texas Children’s Houston Open and a string of top‑10 finishes.
The International Team’s roster also features a blend of experience and fresh talent. Veteran South African Christiaan Bezuidenhout secured his third consecutive Presidents Cup appearance, praised by Ogilvy for his proven track record of earning 3.5 points in five matches, including two singles victories. Newcomers such as Cognizant Classic winner Nico Echavarria, Canadian Nick Taylor and Japan’s Ryo Hisatsune were added to the International line‑up, while returning players include Sungjae Im (fourth appearance) and Corey Conners (third appearance after narrowly missing an automatic qualification).
Qualification for Team USA began at the start of the 2025 PGA Tour season and concluded with the BMW Championship on August 23. World No.
1 Scottie Scheffler led the automatic qualifiers, followed by Players Championship champion Cameron Young and U.S. Open winner Wyndham Clark.
Other automatic qualifiers were Sam Burns, Russell Henley and Collin Morikawa, all of whom were part of the victorious 2023 Ryder Cup squad. 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 International standings, earning his fourth Presidents Cup appearance, while Ryan Fox secured a debut after capturing The Open at Royal Birkdale. Returning International veterans include Hideki Matsuyama, Min Woo Lee, Tom Kim and Adam Scott.
As the competition approaches, fans can watch live coverage from September 24‑27 on Sky Sports Golf, with streaming options available through NOW without a contract. The event promises high drama, as Team USA aims to maintain its dominance while the International side looks to end the American streak. Koivun’s inclusion adds a compelling storyline: a teenager who has already proven he can win on the PGA Tour now faces the pressure of representing his country on one of golf’s biggest stages. Whether his youthful exuberance translates into points for the U.S.
will be a key narrative to follow throughout the four‑day event. Beyond the immediate excitement, Koivun’s rapid rise underscores a broader trend in professional golf where talented amateurs transition swiftly to the top tier, leveraging early successes to secure spots in elite team competitions.
His journey from a decorated amateur to a PGA Tour winner and now a Presidents Cup rookie exemplifies the evolving pathway for young golfers aiming to make an impact on the global stage. The Presidents Cup itself, first contested in 1994, has become a showcase of international rivalry and camaraderie.
While the United States has dominated the event historically, the International Team has produced memorable upsets and close contests, making each edition unpredictable. With a mix of seasoned campaigners and fresh faces like Koivun, the 2025 edition promises to be another chapter in this storied rivalry, offering fans worldwide a chance to witness golf at its most competitive and collaborative.