Scheffler Looks to Solve Team-Golf Puzzle at Presidents Cup at Medinah

The world No. 1 owns a losing mark in Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup play heading into this week's event outside Chicago.

The 2026 Presidents Cup begins Thursday, Sept. 24, at Medinah Country Club near Chicago, where the top American golfers will face an International squad drawn from outside Europe. Much of the attention this week falls on Scottie Scheffler, the world's No. 1 player, whose team competition record has lagged well behind his individual dominance.

Across three Ryder Cups and two Presidents Cups, Scheffler is 3-6-3 and 3-5-1 respectively. He is unbeaten in Ryder Cup singles at 2-0-1 but 0-2 in Presidents Cup singles. Speaking with reporters Tuesday, he pointed out that his singles record in match play is strong and suggested the struggle may come from pressing too hard when playing for his country.

For me, just trying less would be really important, Scheffler said, adding that the approach is easier said than done. He also pointed to the built-in unpredictability of alternate-shot and best-ball formats.

U.S. captain Brandt Snedeker said pairing the world's best player carries a unique challenge, since partners can feel they are letting Scheffler down no matter how they play. Snedeker said finding someone who can stay grounded alongside Scheffler is a priority and stressed that Scheffler should not treat the week as a burden.

Scheffler went 2-1 with Russell Henley at the 2024 Presidents Cup before an 0-2 Ryder Cup partnership with him last year, and he is 0-3-1 combined when paired with close friend Sam Burns. Burns said the pair has played well together without getting results and indicated he would welcome another chance this week. Scheffler did not reveal his Thursday partner.