The end of the brief offseason for professional golf marked the beginning of the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup Fall series with the Biltmore Championship after a three-week pause. While golf enthusiasts might find the break lengthy, the competition returned with fervor. Across in Europe, the DP World Tour hosted the BMW PGA Championship, producing a competitive leaderboard. Two prominent players who found victory in these tournaments are linked to the U.S. Presidents Cup team, albeit in starkly different roles.
The upcoming Presidents Cup, commencing at Medinah Country Club in Illinois, offers an opportunity to observe future possibilities. While the Americans have largely dominated this event since its inception in 1994, this edition provides insight into emerging dynamics, despite the spectacle being somewhat overshadowed by the Ryder Cup.
JJ Spaun’s Determined Play
JJ Spaun notably felt sidestepped during the selection for the Presidents Cup team. Spaun, who once represented the U.S. in the Ryder Cup, ranked tenth in the Presidents Cup points but was not chosen by U.S. captain Brandt Snedeker. Snedeker favored players who ranked below Spaun, including Ben Griffin who was eighth.
Spaun had already won the Valero Texas Open and secured three Top 10 finishes throughout 2026, but his season closed with challenges, including withdrawal from the Tour Championship due to a shoulder injury. With these factors contributing, Snedeker’s selection made sense at the time. However, Spaun’s stellar performance at the BMW PGA Championship might have him reconsidering.
With a brilliant final-round 67 at Wentworth, Spaun claimed a two-shot victory over renowned players like Rory McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick. Spaun acknowledged playing with focused motivation, saying, “I played with a huge chip on my shoulder; I definitely had something to prove this week.” His omission from the Presidents Cup team propelled him to demonstrate his worth.
Jacob Bridgeman’s Rising Star
While Spaun may deserve reconsideration, Jacob Bridgeman remains an undeniable choice for the U.S. team roster. Bridgeman, ranking 12th in the team standings, justified Snedeker’s decision with his recent triumph in the Biltmore Championship, marking his second victory of the year.
The 26-year-old has shown remarkable consistency, boasting 12 Top 25 finishes and only one missed cut in his 24 events throughout 2026. Although Bridgeman made minimal impact during major championships, he secured confidence from his recent performances, including ninth at the BMW Championship and a T-4 at the Tour Championship.
Jackson Koivun, a rookie, may capture significant attention at the Presidents Cup, rivaling World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler. Yet Bridgeman’s progress deserves recognition. Now the 20th-ranked player globally, he leads in strokes gained: putting. His capacity to become a steadfast representative of the red, white, and blue merits acknowledgment.
For Bridgeman, Medinah represents an incredible chance to showcase his abilities in team format amid unique circumstances. His exposure could include elements of personality, adding further dimensions to his game.
Article by Mark Harris, contributing writer for OutKick.