United States Presidents Cup captain Brandt Snedeker has responded to JJ Spaun’s disappointment at being left out of the American team, saying he hopes the in form golfer continues producing performances that make the selection decision look wrong.
Spaun was one of the most notable omissions from the 12 man United States squad for the 2026 Presidents Cup at Medinah Country Club, despite finishing 10th in the qualification standings and enjoying another strong season.
The 36 year old responded to that disappointment in emphatic fashion by winning the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, finishing two shots ahead of a group that included Rory McIlroy, Aaron Rai, Adam Scott and Manuel Elvira.
Spaun later admitted that missing out on the Presidents Cup had provided significant motivation.
He described playing at Wentworth with a major point to prove after being overlooked for one of Snedeker’s six captain’s selections.
The American closed with a five under par 67 and made four birdies across his final five holes to finish on 17 under, becoming just the third American to win the BMW PGA Championship after Arnold Palmer and Billy Horschel.
Spaun’s victory immediately brought the Presidents Cup selection back into focus.
Snedeker has now explained that choosing the final members of the American team was an extremely difficult process, with around 15 or 16 players seriously considered for places.
He said captaincy inevitably requires difficult decisions and that, after consulting several people during the process, he ultimately decided to trust his instincts.
Speaking ahead of the Presidents Cup, Snedeker said he hopes Spaun continues performing at such a high level and effectively “makes me look like an idiot” for leaving him out.
The comment reflected Snedeker’s acknowledgment of Spaun’s quality rather than regret over the selection process.
Spaun had finished 10th in the Presidents Cup points standings, meaning he did not earn one of the six automatic qualification positions but remained firmly among the contenders for a captain’s pick.
Snedeker instead selected Jacob Bridgeman, Patrick Cantlay, Chris Gotterup, Jackson Koivun, Xander Schauffele and Justin Thomas to complete the American team.
Several other prominent golfers were also considered.
Snedeker revealed that Ryan Gerard, Akshay Bhatia and Gary Woodland were among those who came close to selection, highlighting the depth of talent available to the United States.
Spaun, however, had expected his season to put him in a strong position.
He had enjoyed discussions with Snedeker during the qualification period and believed those conversations suggested he had a realistic chance of being selected.
When the final decision came after the Tour Championship, Spaun said he received a short phone call informing him that he was the player who had missed out.
The disappointment stayed with him heading into Wentworth.
Spaun said his career had often required him to prove himself after being overlooked. He pointed to not receiving major scholarship opportunities earlier in his career and having to work his way onto the PGA Tour without the advantages sometimes available to other players.
That mentality returned following the Presidents Cup decision.
Spaun said he entered the BMW PGA Championship determined to demonstrate that he deserved to be part of the American squad.
His performance could hardly have provided a stronger response.
Spaun remained patient during the final round before producing a spectacular finish, eventually winning by two strokes when Elvira’s challenge ended with a double bogey at the 18th.
The victory added another significant title to what has already become an impressive period in Spaun’s career.
He was the 2025 U.S. Open champion, represented the United States at last year’s Ryder Cup and also won the Valero Texas Open earlier in the 2026 season.
Despite the disappointment surrounding his omission, Spaun has publicly wished the American team well at Medinah.
He said he would be watching the Presidents Cup from home and supporting the team, even though he remains convinced his recent performances demonstrated that he deserved consideration.
The United States will face the International Team at Medinah Country Club near Chicago, with the competition beginning this week.
Snedeker’s side contains a mixture of established Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup performers alongside several newcomers.
Scottie Scheffler, Cameron Young, Wyndham Clark, Sam Burns, Russell Henley and Collin Morikawa earned the six automatic qualifying positions, while Snedeker added his six captain’s selections to complete the roster.
The American team enters the event carrying an extraordinary record in the competition.
The United States has won the previous 10 editions of the Presidents Cup and holds an overall record of 13 victories, one defeat and one tie since the tournament began in 1994. The International Team’s only victory came in 1998.
Spaun will not be part of the attempt to extend that run.
Yet his immediate response to missing selection has ensured that his name remains closely connected to the tournament.
His Wentworth victory transformed a disappointing selection decision into motivation, while Snedeker’s latest comments show that the American captain understands why Spaun wanted to prove a point.
For now, Snedeker must focus on the 12 players he selected for Medinah.
Spaun, meanwhile, has already delivered his own answer on the golf course responding to one of the biggest disappointments of his season by lifting one of the DP World Tour’s most prestigious trophies.
