How does the Presidents Cup work? Match play, format, scoring explained

The 2026 Presidents Cup is set to take place at Medinah Country Club in Chicago from September 24th to the 27th. This four-day match play competition pits a team of 12 top American golfers against a team of 12 international stars, led by captains Brandt Snedeker and Geoff Ogilvy respectively. The U.S. team has a strong historical record in the event, holding a 13-1-1 lead since its inception in 1994.

This guide will explain how the Presidents Cup operates, focusing on its match play format, scoring system, and the various match types that will take place.

Match play is the format used in the Presidents Cup, Ryder Cup, and Solheim Cup. Unlike stroke play, which only takes the overall round score into account, match play requires players to win each individual hole. If one player or pairing scores a birdie while their opponent scores a par, the player or pairing wins that hole. The objective is to win as many holes as possible; if a team leads by three holes after 16, the match ends immediately as the losing side cannot catch up. Ties are also possible.

The Presidents Cup awards points based on match results. A win earns a team one point, a loss earns zero, and a tie earns a half-point for each team. Thirty points are available in total, with 18 four-ball and foursomes matches, and 12 singles matches. The first team to amass 15½ points claims the Cup. If the score is tied at 15-15, the teams share the trophy.

Foursomes, also known as alternate shot, is a specific match type in the Presidents Cup. Each foursomes session pairs two American players against two international players. In this format, one player from each team tees off, followed by the partner hitting the next shot. This alternates throughout the match, making it a challenging format that requires strategic player pairing decisions by the captains.

Four-ball, or better ball, is another match type in the Presidents Cup. Like foursomes, this format also features teams of two Americans and two internationals. However, unlike foursomes where one player hits each shot, in four-ball, each golfer in the pair plays their own ball throughout the match. The team's score for each hole is the lowest score between the two players. For instance, if one player makes a par while their partner makes a birdie, only the birdie counts towards the team's score.

Finally, singles matches present the simplest scenario in the Presidents Cup, where 1 vs. 1 play occurs. All 12 players from each team will participate in a single session, taking place on the final day. This format determines the ultimate victor, particularly if the overall score is close heading into Sunday's singles matches.