Brandt Snedeker recently confessed that he wants JJ Spaun to "make me look like an idiot" after the former U.S. Open champion was omitted from his Presidents Cup roster.
Spaun, who became only the third American to capture the BMW PGA Championship—joining legends Arnold Palmer and Billy Horschel—and the first rookie to win the event since Byeong‑hun An in 2015, was a surprising absentee from Snedeker's 12‑man United States team. The 36‑year‑old Spaun was passed over for a spot on the United States side that will face the International Team in the biennial match‑play showdown at Medinah Country Club. The competition, broadcast live from Thursday on Sky Sports, pits the top American golfers against the best from the rest of the world in a high‑stakes, four‑day event. Spaun admitted after the decision that he headed into the Wentworth tournament with "a huge chip on his shoulder," insisting he felt he had something to prove after the snub.
He said being left out of the Presidents Cup only added fuel to his competitive fire. Snedeker explained that as captain he was forced to make "tough decisions" and that his selection pool boiled down to 15 or 16 candidates.
He cited Ryan Gerard, Akshay Bhatia and veteran Gary Woodland—who will serve as a U.S. team vice‑captain this year—as the other close calls that made his deliberations difficult. "You have to trust your gut," Snedeker said, adding that the advice he received from fellow players and coaches was to follow his instincts.
"My gut was telling me one thing." The final United States lineup includes 21‑year‑old PGA Tour rookie Jackson Koivun and seasoned Ryder Cup competitor Patrick Cantlay, even though both finished outside the top 12 in the Presidents Cup points standings. Spaun, despite a respectable 10th‑place finish in the points race and a recent victory at the Valero Texas Open, was the most notable omission. Spaun, who made his Team USA debut at last September's Ryder Cup, said he had been in regular contact with Snedeker throughout the qualification period and believed his performance would earn him a place at Medinah. Instead, he learned of his exclusion in a brief, 45‑second phone call that followed the season‑ending Tour Championship.
"It was a 45‑second phone call," Spaun recounted at a press conference. "He told me I wasn't on the team and that I was the odd man out.
I wished him luck and that was it." The short conversation left Spaun puzzled because earlier discussions had given him the impression that his spot was secure. He reflected on his career trajectory, noting that he never received a scholarship, had to earn his PGA Tour card the hard way, and rarely benefited from sponsor exemptions. "I’ve always had to earn everything the hard way," he said. "Being left off was obviously for a reason.
I don’t know what that reason was, but I’m here now and there was a reason why we’re here. My caddie kept telling me that and it’s crazy how this has happened." Snedeker’s selection process has sparked debate among fans and analysts, who argue that Spaun’s recent win and consistent play should have earned him a captain’s pick. Others point out that the captain must balance experience, recent form, and team chemistry when assembling a squad for a pressure‑filled event like the Presidents Cup.
The Presidents Cup itself is a showcase of international golf talent, with the United States and International Team battling over four days of foursomes, four‑ball, and singles matches. The event is known for its passionate crowds, dramatic swings in momentum, and the opportunity for players to represent their countries on a global stage. For viewers eager to follow the competition, Sky Sports will provide live coverage from Thursday through Sunday, offering commentary, analysis, and behind‑the‑scenes insight.
Golf enthusiasts can also stream the action through Sky Sports' online platform, which requires a subscription but promises uninterrupted coverage of every match. Beyond the immediate drama of the team selection, Spaun’s situation underscores a broader narrative in professional golf: the constant need for players to prove themselves, adapt to setbacks, and seize every opportunity to shine. Whether or not Spaun ultimately gets a chance to compete at Medinah, his determination and resilience remain evident, and his story adds another compelling subplot to this year’s Presidents Cup.
As the United States prepares to face the International Team, all eyes will be on the players who made the final cut, the captain’s strategic choices, and the moments of individual brilliance that could turn the tide. Fans can also explore discounted tee times at over 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland, making it easy to experience the game firsthand.
The question on everyone’s mind remains: which side will emerge victorious? The answer will unfold over four days of intense match‑play, with each golfer striving to contribute to their team’s success and, for some like Spaun, to demonstrate that they belong among the elite, even if they were initially left out of the roster.