This week marks the start of the 2026 Presidents Cup at Medinah Country Club in Chicago where Team USA will attempt to win its 11th consecutive edition of the event against the international team.

Held every two years in a switch off with the Ryder Cup — which features Team USA vs. Team Europe — the international team is comprised of players from the rest of the world including Australia, Korea, Canada, Japan and elsewhere. The captaincy for Team USA surprised folks when it was announced that PGA Tour rookie and former Auburn superstar Jackson Koivun has been selected to the team.

As it turns out, Koivun is matched up with Alabama legend and two-time Major winner Justin Thomas in an Iron Bowl affair starting Thursday afternoon.

Justin Thomas is paired with rookie Jackson Koivun today at the Presidents Cup. Justin has taken Jackson under his wing this week, and he spoke about the relationship ahead of the first day of action:

“Yeah, he's impressive. He's a really, really good player, first and foremost,… pic.twitter.com/cNBcZW0wm7

— Flushing It (@flushingitgolf) September 24, 2026

“Yeah, he’s impressive. He’s a really, really good player, first and foremost, but he’s a great kid. He’s got his head on right,” Thomas said of Koivun this week of serving as a mentor to Koivun. “Hats off to his parents; they’ve done an unbelievable job. He’s very, very mature for his age. I think that’s something you can’t — none of us could instill in him in a week.

“I think the fact that he has the maturity and the correct outlook on everything, he’s obviously really competitive and he’s obviously really talented. I’m excited for him this week. It’s going to be an awesome experience for him.”

Thomas has been one of the best players for Team USA in these match play type competitions over the last decade, and now that he is a longtime veteran, getting the chance to mentor the young rookie who has such immense talent is an opportunity he certainly relishes.

It just so happens that the unlikely duo attended rival schools, and Koivun coming off one of the most decorated collegiate golf careers in history is hungry to prove he can hang with the veterans and secure some points for Team USA en route to another Presidents Cup victory.