Brandt Snedeker Backs JJ Spaun for 2027 Ryder Cup After Presidents Cup Snub

Posted : 23 September 2026

United States Presidents Cup captain Brandt Snedeker expects JJ Spaun to earn a place on the 2027 Ryder Cup team despite leaving him out of this week's squad at Medinah.

Spaun was among the notable players overlooked when Snedeker announced his six captain's picks for the United States team. The decision came despite Spaun being the 2025 U.S. Open champion and ranking 12th in the world.

The 36-year-old responded emphatically at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth last weekend. Spaun closed with a five-under-par 67, birdieing four of his final five holes to finish at 17 under and win the tournament by two shots. Rory McIlroy and Adam Scott were among the players who finished behind him.

Spaun admitted after his victory that being left out of the Presidents Cup had provided extra motivation. He said he played with a "huge chip on my shoulder" because he wanted to demonstrate that he deserved a place on the American team.

Speaking ahead of the Presidents Cup at Medinah Country Club, Snedeker said leaving Spaun out was one of several difficult decisions he had to make after considering a large group of players. He explained that advice from former captains and coaches encouraged him to trust his instincts when making his selections.

Snedeker also welcomed Spaun's response at Wentworth, saying he was pleased the golfer had effectively made the captain's decision look questionable by producing such a strong performance immediately afterward. He said Spaun was a fierce competitor and that he expected him to use the disappointment as motivation.

The U.S. captain went further by backing Spaun to feature for Jim Furyk's United States team at the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in Ireland. Snedeker said he would be surprised if Spaun was not selected for the team next year.

The 2026 Presidents Cup begins Thursday at Medinah Country Club in Illinois, with the United States facing an International team made up of players from outside Europe. The Americans have dominated the competition historically, holding a 13-1-1 record entering this year's contest.

Spaun will therefore watch the Presidents Cup from outside the American lineup after turning his omission into a significant victory at Wentworth, while Snedeker will hope his prediction about the golfer's Ryder Cup future eventually proves accurate.

Brandt Snedeker Backs JJ Spaun for 2027 Ryder Cup After Presidents Cup Snub

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