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:
Member No. 5 becomes Presidents Cup No. 1
Member No. 18 becomes Presidents Cup No. 14
Member No. 1 becomes Presidents Cup No. 15
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:
Roselle Fire Department
Roselle Police Department
Bloomingdale Fire Department
Bloomingdale Police Department
Itasca Police Department
DuPage County Sheriff’s Department
Addison Police Department
Parking and transportation plans for the 2026 event are set to be announced on Wednesday, July 15.
CLICK HERE FOR A LINK TO PRESIDENTS CUP MEDIA KIT
For more information about the Presidents Cup, please visit PresidentsCup.com.
About the Presidents Cup
The Presidents Cup is a biennial global team competition between the United States and an International team that represents the rest of the world excluding Europe. The competition, which is contested by the PGA TOUR, alternates between venues in the U.S. and overseas. The next iteration of the Presidents Cup will take place in Chicago at Medinah Country Club’s Course No. 3, September 22–27, 2026. Global Partners of the Presidents Cup include Rolex, Barings, Forvis Mazars and Energy Transfer. Since the event’s inception in 1994, more than $56 million has been raised for charity from event proceeds, as well as contributions made on behalf of the Presidents Cup. Follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram, or visit PresidentsCup.com for more information.
About Forvis Mazars
Forvis Mazars, LLP is an independent member of Forvis Mazars Global, a leading global professional services network. Ranked among the largest public accounting firms in the United States, the firm’s 7,000+ dedicated team members provide an Unmatched Client Experience® through the delivery of assurance, tax, and consulting services for clients in all 50 states and internationally through the global network. Visit forvismazars.us to learn more.
About Barings
Barings is a $481 billion* global alternative asset manager that partners with institutional, insurance, and wealth clients, and supports leading businesses with flexible financing solutions. The firm, a subsidiary of MassMutual, with a minority investment from MS&AD, seeks to deliver excess returns by leveraging its global scale and capabilities across credit, real assets, capital solutions and emerging markets.
*As of March 31, 2026
About Rolex
An unrivalled reputation for quality and expertise. Rolex is an integrated and independent Swiss watch manufacture. Headquartered in Geneva, the brand is recognized the world over for its expertise and the quality of its products – symbols of excellence, elegance and prestige. The movements of its Oyster Perpetual and Perpetual watches are certified by COSC, then tested in-house for their precision, performance and reliability. The Superlative Chronometer certification, symbolized by the green seal, confirms that each watch has successfully undergone tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories according to its own criteria. These are periodically validated by an independent external organization.
The word ‘Perpetual’ is inscribed on every Rolex Oyster watch. But more than just a word on a dial, it is a philosophy that embodies the company’s vision and values. Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of the company, instilled a notion of perpetual excellence that would drive the company forward. This led Rolex to pioneer the development of the wristwatch and numerous major watchmaking innovations, such as the Oyster, the first waterproof wristwatch, launched in 1926, and the Perpetual rotor self-winding mechanism, invented in 1931. In the course of its history, Rolex has registered over 600 patents. At its four sites in Switzerland, the brand designs, develops and produces the majority of its watch components. A fifth site, also in Switzerland, is under construction and is expected to open in 2029. Rolex carries out its own manufacturing operations, from casting the gold alloys to machining, crafting, assembling and finishing the movement, case, dial and bracelet. Furthermore, the brand is actively involved in supporting the arts and culture, sport and exploration, as well as those who are devising solutions to preserve the planet.
