Gary Woodland just got named the fourth and final captain’s assistant for Brandt Snedeker’s U.S. Team at the 2026 Presidents Cup, capping off what has been an absolutely wild and emotional year for the golfer. This isn’t just another appointment, this is a statement after a season that saw him battle incredible personal challenges and still make it to the winner’s circle.
From the Depths to the Winner’s Circle
Can you believe what Woodland has been through? Less than three weeks before he captured the 2026 Texas Children’s Houston Open, he revealed he’d been dealing with PTSD after undergoing brain surgery back in September 2023. Talk about grit. When he won that event, he wasn’t just holding a trophy, he was fighting through tears, giving one of the most raw and impassioned speeches we’ve heard all season. “I’ll tell you what, we play an individual sport out here, but I wasn’t alone today,” Woodland said, crediting his team, family, and the whole golf world. He even threw out a message for anyone struggling: “Anybody that’s struggling with something, I hope they see me and don’t give up, just keep fighting.” That’s not just a winner, that’s a warrior.
A New Team Role After an Inspiring Season
Now, Woodland gets to bring that fight to the team environment of the Presidents Cup. This marks his first time as a captain’s assistant in the biennial competition, where he’ll join Jim Furyk, Keegan Bradley, and Webb Simpson. Brandt Snedeker, the U.S. Team captain, knows exactly what he’s getting. He worked with Woodland at the 2025 Ryder Cup and saw firsthand the “perspective, passion and team-first mentality” the guy brings. Snedeker called him a valuable addition, highlighting Woodland’s experience as a major champion, five-time PGA Tour winner, and a member of the 2019 Presidents Cup team. Woodland himself is honored, saying he knows the pride that comes with representing your country. He was a captain’s pick for the 2019 Presidents Cup, finishing with a 1-2-1 record as the U.S. won the event. This 42-year-old, with his five PGA Tour victories including the 2019 U.S. Open, clearly knows how to compete and lead. He’s even posted five top-10 finishes this season!
What’s Next for the Cup
While Woodland steps into his assistant role, the player roster for the 2026 Presidents Cup is starting to take shape. Scottie Scheffler just clinched the No. 1 spot on the U.S. roster after his 21st win at the FedEx St. Jude Championship. Cameron Young also locked in the No. 2 position. With the team getting stronger and a leader like Woodland joining the staff, the Presidents Cup is shaping up to be an incredible event. Get ready for Chicago, folks, this team is going to be something else.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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