The Private Traveler’s Guide to the 2026 Presidents Cup
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Introduction
One of golf’s premier international events arrives in Chicago next week as the 2026 Presidents Cup takes over Medinah Country Club from September 22–27.
The competition brings the United States Team and International Team together for a week of world-class golf, premium hospitality, and four days of match play on Medinah’s legendary Course No. 3.
For private travelers, the tournament also creates the perfect opportunity for a luxury Chicago weekend.
The Presidents Cup Returns to Medinah
Practice rounds begin Tuesday and Wednesday before competition officially gets underway Thursday, September 24.
Matches continue through Sunday, September 27, when the final singles matches determine which team takes home the Presidents Cup.
Medinah Country Club has hosted some of golf’s most significant championships, and its return to the international spotlight makes this one of the most anticipated golf weekends of the year.
Premium hospitality experiences throughout the course give guests the opportunity to combine championship golf with elevated dining, drinks, and exclusive viewing areas.
Where to Fly Private
One of the advantages of flying private to the Presidents Cup is the number of airport options surrounding Chicago.
Travelers can explore aircraft and airport options through the Virtual Hangar Chicago destination page.
DuPage Airport — KDPA
DuPage Airport is one of the strongest options for private aviation travelers heading to Medinah.
Located west of Chicago, it caters heavily to business and private aviation and offers convenient access to Chicago’s western suburbs.
Best for: Private jet arrivals focused primarily on attending the Presidents Cup.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport — KORD
O’Hare provides another convenient option for reaching Medinah and can work particularly well when members of a traveling party are arriving on a combination of private and commercial flights.
Best for: Groups coordinating multiple arrival types or travelers staying near the tournament.
Chicago Midway International Airport — KMDW
Midway provides access from the southern side of Chicago and can be a good option for travelers who plan to spend additional time downtown.
Best for: Combining the Presidents Cup with a Chicago city weekend.
Gary/Chicago International Airport — KGYY
Located southeast of downtown Chicago, Gary/Chicago International offers another option for private aircraft entering the Chicago market.
Best for: Travelers looking for an alternative to Chicago’s larger airports.
DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport — KDKB
DeKalb provides an additional regional airport option west of Chicago and may be suitable depending on aircraft type, itinerary, and availability.
Best for: Smaller private aircraft and flexible regional arrivals.
Turn Golf Into a Chicago Weekend
The Presidents Cup is an easy event to build into a longer luxury getaway.
Spend the day following matches at Medinah before returning to Chicago for an evening of fine dining, shopping, or cocktails overlooking the city.
Chicago also offers some of the country’s most celebrated hotels and restaurants, making it easy to combine championship golf with a full weekend away.
And with private aviation, travelers can structure the trip around the tournament rather than an airline schedule.
Arrive for Thursday’s opening matches, spend the weekend at Medinah, and depart after Sunday’s final putt—or stay another night and enjoy Chicago at your own pace.
For golf fans, the Presidents Cup offers four days of international competition.
For private travelers, it offers an entire weekend experience.
About the Author
Keira Svensen is the Content & Editorial Director of Virtual Hangar Media, where she leads editorial strategy and storytelling across private aviation, aircraft markets, and emerging flight technologies. With a focus on data-driven reporting and modern aviation trends, Keira helps shape how owners, operators, and travelers understand the evolving private aviation landscape.
Published: September 17, 2026
About The Team: https://virtualhangarmedia.com/about/
Website: https://virtualhangar.com/news/
