Twelve of the best golfers from the United States will compete against 12 elite international players in the 16th Presidents Cup at Medinah Country Club, just outside Chicago.
The tournament format showcases both teamwork and individual skill.
The format features three distinct styles of match play: four-ball, in which two-man teams play their own balls and count the better score; foursomes, in which teammates alternate shots with one ball; and singles, in which players compete head-to-head.
The tournament, which tees off today, will crown the champions on Sunday, Sept. 27.
Here’s a breakdown of how the Presidents Cup format works.
Presidents Cup format
The Presidents Cup unfolds over four
days and five sessions of match play.
The opening day features five four-ball matches between two-man teams from the U.S. and International squads. All four golfers play their own ball on each hole, and the lower score between the two teammates counts as the team’s score.
Friday brings five foursomes matches. In the alternate-shot format, each two-man team plays one ball, with one player teeing off on the odd-numbered holes and the other teeing off on the even-numbered holes. The partners then alternate shots until the hole is completed.
Saturday features two sessions: four four-ball matches in the morning and four foursomes matches in the afternoon. The competition concludes Sunday with 12 singles matches, with every player from each team competing head-to-head.
Presidents Cup scoring
The Presidents Cup uses match-play scoring, meaning each hole is contested separately. Each match is worth one point, while a match tied after 18 holes awards half a point to each team.
The first team to reach 15.5 points secures the Presidents Cup. If the event concludes with both teams locked at 15 points apiece, the cup will be shared, and both teams will be recognized as co-champions.
How to watch Presidents Cup 2026
The Presidents Cup will be broadcast on Golf Channel and NBC and will be available to stream on Peacock.
Thursday, Sept. 24
- Opening ceremony: 12-12:30 p.m. ET on Golf Channel
- Fourballs: 12:30-7 p.m. ET on Golf Channel
Friday, Sept. 25
- Foursomes, 2-7 p.m. ET on Golf Channel
Saturday, Sept. 26
- Foursomes and Fourballs, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. ET on NBC/Peacock
Sunday, Sept. 27
- Singles, 12-6 p.m. ET on NBC/Peacock
Watch 2026 Presidents Cup on Peacock
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How does Presidents Cup work? Format, scoring and schedule explained
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