The guy really showed Snedeker up: When JJ Spaun won the European Tour's PGA Championship at Wentworth last weekend, it was clear that this sensational round was a direct message to US captain Brandt Snedeker. Snedeker had snubbed the world No. 12 for this year's Presidents Cup in Medinah, and Spaun left no doubt that this slight spurred him on to peak performance. "I wanted to prove I deserved a spot on that team," he said after his triumph.
Snedeker responded to Spaun's comments on Tuesday, admitting that the decision not to select Spaun was purely a gut feeling. "As a captain, unfortunately, you have to make tough decisions. We had 15, 16 guys that were really on our radar," Snedeker explained. "The best advice I got from all the captains and even coaches was: Trust your gut. My gut told me one thing. You have to make those decisions. It's tough."
However, the captain also admitted he was glad Spaun "made him look like an idiot." "I feel awful for JJ, and I always will, because he's a great guy and I really like the kid," Snedeker said. "But he's a true fighter... I told all the guys who didn't make the team: Your job is to make me look like an idiot as fast as possible."
Snedeker now expects Spaun to earn a spot on Jim Furyk's US team for the 2027 Ryder Cup against Europe at Adare Manor in Ireland. "I can't wait for JJ to get off to a strong start next year, and I'd be shocked if he's not on the team in Ireland," Snedeker said.
The Presidents Cup, held every two years, pits a dozen US golfers against an International Team from the rest of the world – excluding Europe, as it faces the USA in the biennial and far more prestigious Ryder Cup. The US has traditionally dominated the Presidents Cup, winning the last 10 editions and 13 out of 15 tournaments held so far. This year's Presidents Cup kicks off on Thursday at Medinah Country Club in Medinah, Illinois, just outside Chicago.
