When S. captain Brandt Snedeker named 21-year-old rookie Jackson Koivun as his final captain’s pick for the 2026 Presidents Cup, the decision raised eyebrows across the golf world. But Snedeker had a clear message for the doubters.
Koivun, who made his professional debut only months ago at the John Deere Classic, will join the American team for the September 24-27 event at Medinah Country Club in Illinois. He is one of six captain’s picks, joining Chris Gotterup, Xander Schauffele, Justin Thomas, Patrick Cantlay, and Jacob Bridgeman.
“I think we took a long hard look at all of these guys who are close, but Jackson, what he did at 3M, what he did in his amateur career, what he brings to the table, I think is something we wanted to take a hard look at, and we’ll be going with him,” Snedeker said, explaining the decision.
The captain’s faith is rooted in a rookie campaign that has been nothing short of historic. After missing the cut in his first professional start, Koivun won his third event on the PGA Tour, capturing the 2026 3M Open with rounds of 64-68-61-66 for a 25-under 259 total. That victory came against a star-studded leaderboard, with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler finishing as the runner-up, three shots back.
A historic rise
Koivun’s victory set multiple records. He became the second-fastest PGA Tour professional to win a tournament and the youngest American winner to prevail by more than one stroke in 94 years. His performance also established a new tournament scoring record at the 3M Open.
Koivun’s recent form has been remarkable given his limited time as a professional. He turned professional in June after a standout amateur career at Auburn, where he helped lead the Tigers to an NCAA championship and later guided the S. to a Walker Cup victory in September 2025.
He finished the regular season at No. 70 in the FedExCup standings, securing the final spot in the playoffs, and is the first PGA Tour University No. 1 or accelerated graduate to qualify for the FedExCup Playoffs in the same season he accepted Tour membership. He closed the book on his season with a tie for 24th at the FedEx St. Jude Championship.
Snedeker’s faith
Snedeker, who will lead the Americans in their bid for an 11th consecutive Presidents Cup victory, said he has no doubts about Koivun’s ability to perform on golf’s biggest stage.
“I’m so impressed by this young man,” Snedeker said. “I think he brings a lot to our team room. He brings a lot to us in terms of pairings. I know what this guy is capable of. I know what he’s going to bring to us, and I’m excited to show him to the world.”
Koivun will make his Presidents Cup debut as the second-youngest American ever selected for the competition, behind only Jordan Spieth, who was 20 when he played in 2013. Koivun is also the first player since Spieth to begin the year without a tour card and earn a spot on the Presidents Cup team.
Snedeker said Koivun’s performances in just five professional starts proved he was ready for the challenge.
“I know what this guy is capable of,” Snedeker repeated.
Looking ahead
The American roster will face an International team captained by Geoff Ogilvy. The United States has won the last 10 Presidents Cups, a record they will look to extend at Medinah.