Jackson Koivun has made a clear call to sharpen his game before the Presidents Cup. The 21-year-old rookie confirmed he will compete at the Biltmore Championship in Asheville, North Carolina. This event sits just one week before the team competition begins at Medinah Country Club. Koivun made this announcement during an appearance on the Foreplay Plus Podcast. He wants to ensure his swing is loose and ready for the high-stakes matches. Playing a week of competitive golf is a smart move for any young player heading into a team event.
The Rust Factor
Koivun has not played a tournament since the Memphis event earlier this year. That gap means he could face over a month without competitive action before stepping onto the Medinah course. Waiting that long creates a real risk of rust. The rookie knows that hitting balls on a practice range is not the same as facing pressure on a Sunday. That is a simple truth that every pro golfer understands.
While Koivun plans to play, he noted that his teammates might have different ideas. He mentioned that the team might hold a joint practice session, though details remain unclear. Only a few players might join him in North Carolina. Whether others follow his lead remains to be seen. Some veterans might prefer to stay home and rest their bodies. The rookie is taking no chances on his form.
Kisner Questions the Course Choice
Beyond the individual prep, there is a larger tension brewing around the venue itself. Kevin Kisner has voiced strong concerns about the selection of Medinah for the 2026 event. The veteran player feels the course choice puts the US team at a disadvantage before a ball is even hit. Kisner pointed out that the International captain, Geoff Ogilvy, helped redesign the layout. This creates a strange dynamic where the opposing team knows the course better than the home side.
Kisner spoke bluntly on the Fore Play Podcast about the situation. He questioned the logic of the PGA Tour in picking a venue the other team helped build. He said, “That’s one of the big points that I’m sure Brandt can’t talk about, but I can because I’m not involved.” Captain Brandt Snedeker likely cannot speak freely on this issue since he works for the Tour. Kisner feels the setup feels like an attempt to level the playing field rather than give the home team an edge. This friction adds another layer of drama to the upcoming cup.
Why Koivun’s Move Matters
Koivun’s decision to play at the Biltmore shows his maturity. He won his first professional title in July at the 3M Open. Now he faces a massive test against the best international players. Winning match play requires a different mindset than stroke play. Having fresh legs and a working swing is crucial. If he skips the Biltmore, he arrives at Medinah with no recent competitive data. That is a luxury few players can afford. His teammates would be wise to watch his example. A week of action could be the difference between winning a match or losing one.
The Presidents Cup is all about team dynamics and preparation.
