S E48: Why the PGA Tour Won’t Sell the Presidents Cup

The Presidents Cup has been dominated by the United States—but judging the event by the final score misses the much bigger business story.

Ahead of the 2026 Presidents Cup at Medinah Country Club, Jimmy Roberts sits down with Big Swing Media golf business reporter Michael LoRé to examine why the PGA Tour, global sponsors, broadcasters and host cities remain bullish on the event.

They break down the Presidents Cup’s commercial value, the advantage the PGA Tour gains by owning the property outright and why comparing a 32-year-old competition to the century-old Ryder Cup doesn’t tell the whole story. They also explore the tournament’s international reach and its projected $175 million economic impact on the Chicago region.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

Why competitive imbalance hasn’t eliminated the Presidents Cup’s commercial appeal

How full ownership makes the event especially valuable to the PGA Tour

Why brands see an opportunity to reach audiences around the world

What the Ryder Cup’s early history reveals about the Presidents Cup’s future

How Medinah and Chicago could produce the event’s biggest edition yet

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