Team USA captain Brandt Snedeker sat Scottie Scheffler, Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, and Jackson Koivun for the Saturday afternoon foursome competition at the 2026 Presidents Cup at Medinah Country Club, trailing the International Team by three points at the time of publication.
According to Golf Digest, the captain stated that Scheffler had the “weight of the world on his shoulders carrying Team USA,” adding that it was time for the rest of the team to carry him for a session. Snedeker noted that the tough choice was made to give Scheffler some rest ahead of Sunday singles play.
Brandt Snedeker Explains the Decision to Sit Scheffler
The benching follows a brutal Friday foursomes session for Scheffler and partner Sam Burns. According to reporting from PGATour.com by Paul Hodowanic, Scheffler and Burns lost 1-up to the Canadian duo of Nick Taylor and Corey Conners, who converted crucial putts on the back nine and 18th hole. That loss dropped Scheffler’s career foursomes record across the Presidents Cup and Ryder Cup to 1-8-0.
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Despite the historical struggles in alternate-shot play, golf data analyst Rick Gehman noted on X that Scheffler holds the fourth-worst points percentage of any player with at least 23 career Cup matches. Snedeker initially stuck with the pairing of Scheffler and Burns because they are best friends who play frequently together, but the mounting losses ultimately forced a lineup change for Saturday afternoon.
Scottie Scheffler Remains Supportive From the Sidelines
Golf Digest shared video footage on X showing the World No. 1 walking the course and actively cheering on his Team USA teammates during the afternoon session.
Did you know? Scottie Scheffler’s lone career foursomes win in team competition came alongside partner Russell Henley during the 2024 Presidents Cup in Canada, according to historical records cited by PGATour.com.
Snedeker indicated that Scheffler is expected to return to action for the final day of the Presidents Cup. During a media session earlier in the week on September 24, Scheffler outlined his simple approach to the challenging course conditions, stating he was just trying to stay in it and compete on every shot amid quick greens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Brandt Snedeker bench Scottie Scheffler?
Captain Brandt Snedeker benched Scheffler for the Saturday afternoon session to give the World No. 1 much-needed rest, noting that Scheffler had been carrying the heavy burden of leading Team USA.
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What is Scottie Scheffler’s record in team foursomes?
According to PGATour.com, Scheffler holds a 1-8-0 career record in foursomes across the Presidents Cup and Ryder Cup following his narrow Friday loss with Sam Burns.
Will Scottie Scheffler play on the final day of the Presidents Cup?
Yes. Snedeker strongly hinted that Scheffler will return to the lineup for Sunday’s singles matches at Medinah Country Club.