The Presidents Cup is a four day match play competition between a 12 man United States team and a 12 man International team of players from outside Europe. There are 30 matches, each worth one point, and the first side to 15.5 wins. It is played every two years in the years the Ryder Cup is not, and 2026 is the 16th edition.
The Four Days
| Day | Format | Matches | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday | Four-ball | 5 | 5 |
| Friday | Foursomes | 5 | 5 |
| Saturday morning | Four-ball | 4 | 4 |
| Saturday afternoon | Foursomes | 4 | 4 |
| Sunday | Singles | 12 | 12 |
Four-Ball
Two man teams, all four players play their own ball, and the lower score of the two partners counts for each hole. It rewards aggressive play, since a partner’s par is a safety net.
Foursomes
Also called alternate shot. The two partners play one ball, taking turns, with one player teeing off on odd holes and the other on even holes. It is the hardest format to pair for and usually produces the widest margins.
Singles
Every player on both teams plays one match on Sunday, 12 in all. Unlike the Ryder Cup, nobody sits out on the final day.
Scoring
A won match is one point, a halved match is half a point to each side. Matches that are decided before the 18th hole end there; a match tied after 18 holes is halved, with no extra holes. The host captain, Brandt Snedeker in 2026, chooses which team format opens the event.
What Happens in a Tie
If the 30 matches split 15 to 15, the cup is shared in name but stays with the team that won it last, which has been the United States since 2005. There is no playoff.
How the Teams Are Picked
Six players on each side qualify on points earned over roughly two seasons, and each captain adds six picks. The International team draws from every country outside the United States and Europe, which is why South Korea, Japan, Australia, Canada, South Africa and Colombia are all represented in 2026.
Presidents Cup vs. Ryder Cup
The Ryder Cup has 28 points, one fewer session, and Europe as the opponent; the Presidents Cup has 30 points and sends all 12 players out in singles. Both are match play with the same three formats. The fuller comparison is here.
Related
Presidents Cup 2026 guide · Pairings and results · Live score · Tee times · How to watch · History