A blockbuster move at the 2026 Presidents Cup: Rookie Jackson Koivun will tee up alongside superstar Justin Thomas! Captains Brandt Snedeker and Geoff Ogilvy have unveiled their line-ups for the opening matches on September 23, immediately making a bold statement. It will be exciting to see how this high-caliber mix of young blood and seasoned experience performs on the course.
The explosive duo Koivun/Thomas will compete on Thursday in the third of five Four-ball matches, facing off against Corey Conners and Nico Echavarria. The tee time is set for 1:11 p.m. ET (7:11 p.m. CEST). For 21-year-old PGA Tour rookie Koivun, this is a clear message: thrown right into the deep end, alongside one of the most successful Presidents Cup players. No time is wasted!
Alabama vs. Auburn on the Tee
This pairing is not just sportingly exciting; it also comes with an incredible backstory. Thomas, once the star of the Alabama Crimson Tide, will meet Koivun, the Auburn Tiger. The legendary “Iron Bowl” rivalry from college football will be put aside for a day on the golf course. The two were already together in practice rounds – a clear sign that this combo is no coincidence but precisely what Team USA intended. The chemistry is clearly there.
Other Heavy Hitters Are Ready
Of course, Thomas and Koivun are the highlight, but Team USA is deploying other big guns at the 2026 Presidents Cup. Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns will lead off as the first pairing, closely followed by Cameron Young and Xander Schauffele in match two. The decision to place Koivun so prominently next to a seasoned pro like Thomas shows the immense trust placed in the youngster. It promises to be an epic session that will keep us glued to our sofas from the very start.
