16th edition of the PGA TOUR’s global team event descends on Chicago, Sept. 22-27
CHICAGO – With less than four months remaining until the 2026 Presidents Cup, tournament officials shared an early look at fan experiences and event updates designed to showcase the culture of Chicago.
Media from across the region gathered for an exclusive preview of the PGA TOUR’s biennial global team competition, highlighted by announcements around enhanced fan experiences, culinary programming, course routing, ticketing and hospitality sales momentum and community impact initiatives. 2026 Presidents Cup Executive Director Joie Chitwood delivered tournament updates on the following:
Chicago-Inspired Fan Experiences
The Presidents Cup will deliver a Chicago-inspired experience through five themed fan zones integrated throughout the course, each reflecting the energy, character, and pride of different city neighborhoods. The Loop (between 1 Tee and 18 Fairway), Southside (between 5 and 6 Fairways), West Town (behind 11 Tee and 10 Green), Lakeview (between 12 Green and 13 Tee), and Northside (adjacent to 15 Fairway) will feature food and beverage offerings inspired by Chicago’s iconic culinary scene, giving spectators an authentic taste of the city.
Adding to the event’s Chicago flair, renowned vocalist Jim Cornelison will perform the National Anthem during the Opening Ceremony on Thursday, September 24. Best known as the longtime anthem singer for the Chicago Blackhawks and for opening the Chicago Bears season each fall, Cornelison has become one of the city’s most recognizable ceremonial performers, bringing a sense of pride, tradition, and excitement to major sporting events.
Complementing these neighborhood-inspired activations, the tournament will also feature an elevated culinary program within its premier venue, the 1924 Club, where acclaimed chefs will showcase distinctive Chicago-inspired cuisine. Confirmed appearances include Chef Jimmy Kunz, known as “The Truffleist,” on Thursday, September 24; internationally acclaimed restaurateur Chef David Burke on Friday, September 25; and Chef Hannah Florda, a competitor on Hell’s Kitchen Season 23 and Chopped Castaways, on Saturday, September 26.
Course Routing
The routing of Course No. 3 is specifically designed to enhance competitive drama and spectator experience, with the updated routing ensuring that the course’s iconic finishing stretch plays a pivotal role in the matches.
Data from past Presidents Cups shows that less than 40 percent of matches make it to the 17th hole, making these changes critical to maximizing fan engagement both on-site and in broadcast. Highlights from the adjusted routing includes the following:
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Member No. 5 becomes Presidents Cup No. 1
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Member No. 18 becomes Presidents Cup No. 14
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Member No. 1 becomes Presidents Cup No. 15
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Member No. 2 becomes Presidents Cup No. 16
Buildout
Construction and infrastructure buildout for the Presidents Cup began in April and will continue throughout the summer in preparation for tournament week.
By event week in September, Medinah Country Club will be transformed into a world-class sporting venue capable of hosting tens of thousands of spectators each day from Tuesday to Sunday. In total, more than 560,000 square feet of flooring will be installed across the property to support hospitality, fan zones and operational facilities.
Community Impact Initiatives
Community impact was a cornerstone of Media Day as the event proudly hosted first responders from across the region for a special golf outing on Course No. 2. Following the outing, the Presidents Cup presented $5,000 donations to each of the seven participating departments:
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Roselle Fire Department
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Roselle Police Department
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Bloomingdale Fire Department
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Bloomingdale Police Department
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Itasca Police Department
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DuPage County Sheriff’s Department
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Addison Police Department
Parking and transportation plans for the 2026 event are set to be announced on Wednesday, July 15.
For more information about the Presidents Cup, please visit PresidentsCup.com.
