How does the Presidents Cup work? Match play, format, scoring explained

The 2026 Presidents Cup takes place this week at Medinah Country Club in Chicago, as 12 of the best golfers from the U.S. take on 12 international stars in a four-day match play competition, beginning Sept. 24 and ending Sept 27.

Captain Brandt Snedeker’s American team will look to defend home soil against Captain Geoff Ogilvy’s International team, which features players from all over the world, excluding Europe. The U.S. has historically dominated the Presidents Cup, amassing a 13-1-1 record since the event’s inception in 1994.

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So how does it all work? Here’s everything you need to know about the Presidents Cup format before the action begins Thursday.

HOW TO WATCH: 2026 Presidents Cup schedule, TV, streaming guide

What is match play?

Match play is a golf format in which players compete to win each hole, unlike stroke play, where the overall round score is all that matters. Stroke play is what we see on a weekly basis on the PGA Tour, whereas match play is the format used in events like the Presidents Cup, Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup.

In match play, if one player or pairing makes a birdie and their opponent makes a par, for example, the player or pairing that made a birdie would win that hole. The goal is to win as many holes as possible, and it often doesn’t take all 18 holes to decide a match. For example, if a player or pairing leads by three after 16 holes, the match just ends. There is no point in playing out the remaining holes because the losing team cannot make up the deficit. It’s also possible to tie a match.

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How does Presidents Cup scoring work?

The U.S. and International teams will score points based on how many matches they win. If a player or pairing wins a match, they earn one point for their team. If they lose, they earn zero. If the match ends in a tie, a half-point is awarded to each team.

There will be a total of 18 four-ball and foursomes matches, along with 12 singles matches, meaning there are 30 total points up for grabs. The first team to reach 15½ points wins the Presidents Cup. If it ends in a 15-15 tie, the teams will share the Cup.

What are foursomes at the Presidents Cup?

Foursomes is the format more commonly known as “alternate shot.” Each foursomes session will feature teams of two American golfers facing teams of two International golfers. In foursomes, one player from each team tees off, then his partner hits the next shot, and so on, alternating throughout the match. Foursomes is widely regarded as the most difficult format in team match play competition, making each captain’s decision in choosing the pairings critical to their team’s success.

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What are four-balls at the Presidents Cup?

Four-ball is the format more commonly known as “better ball.” Each four-balls session will feature teams of two American players facing teams of two International players. But unlike foursomes, in four-ball matches, each golfer plays his own ball throughout the match. Each team takes the lowest score between the two players on each hole. For example, if a player makes a par but his partner makes a birdie, only the birdie would count on the pair’s scorecard.

What are singles at the Presidents Cup?

Singles is the simplest format in the Presidents Cup, and the name is pretty self-explanatory. It’s 1 vs. 1 match play. This is the only format in which all 12 players from each team will compete. There is just one session of singles and it takes place on the final day, making for an exciting conclusion to the Presidents Cup, especially if the overall score is close heading into Sunday.

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Nick Stavas is a digital producer and commerce writer for Golfweek. Follow him on X/Twitter (@nickstavas).

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: How does the Presidents Cup work? Match play, format, scoring explained