J.R. Nelson Ryder Cup
July 11-13, 2026 in Denver, CO
Tradition. Competition. Brotherhood
About the JRNRC
2026 Captains
Patrick Roth #TeamRoth vs Danny Lang #TeamLangLeadership
Joe Connelly - President & CEO
Ethan Ortmann - CommissionerBoard of Directors
Cole Orscheln, Jake Martin, John Connelly, Tom OrtmannValues: Tradition. Competition. Brotherhood.
2026 details
Location
Denver, COCaptains
Patrick Roth - #TeamRoth
Danny Lang - #TeamLangGolf Courses
Saturday, July 11: Fox Hollow Golf Course (10am-11:30am)
Sunday, July 12: Walnut Creek Golf PreseveLodging
Addresses: TBD
Tournament History
2020: Columbia, MO: #TeamBasil (6.5) over #TeamJrad (3.5)
2021: Columbia, MO: #TeamJoe (9.5) over #TeamRubix (6.5)
2022: St. Louis, MO: #TeamSmegs (10) over #TeamChuck (6)
2023: Lake of the Ozarks, MO: #TeamBumstead (8.5) over #TeamGrass (6.5)
2024: Kansas City, MO: #TeamKarns (9.5) over #TeamPutnam (6.5)
2025: Port Washington, WI: #TeamOrtmann (8*) over #TeamBurke (8)*won tiebreaker
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J. R. Nelson Ryder Cup Players
LAST NAMES:A-C
Will
Akers
Tommy
Auckland
Clay
Bierk
Luke
Blanton
Kevin
Broshek
Jay
Bumstead
TJ
Burke
Nick
Catalano
LAST NAMES:C-G
Mikey
Chalcraft
Joe
Connelly
Connor
Dolan
Bryce
Edstrom
Andrew
Fiaush
Ben
Fite
Nick
Frerking
Justin
Goetz
LAST NAMES:G-K
Sam
Grass
Hunter
Grobmyer
Elias
Halwaji
Charlie
Henderson
Daniel
Hopper
Kyle
Hull
Jake
Karns
Ben
Kirsch
LAST NAMES:L-O
Danny
Lang
Carson
Lujin
Brandon
Mancillas
Liam
Meagher
Jordan
Merkel
Ben
Mesnier
Johnny
Mohler
Ethan
Ortamnn
LAST NAMES:P-W
Chase
Putnam
Zach
Quoss
Patrick
Roth
Kyle
Rudberg
Justin
Shepley
Michael
Smegner
Matt
Wasson
Truman
Webb
Player Name
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Will Akers
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Bio: Will Akers is a four-year tournament veteran who's finally figured out that golf isn't a sprint—ironic for a former high school track star. This Chicago real estate pro started his tournament career with respectable splits but really found his groove in 2025, sweeping both Saturday and Sunday to post his first perfect weekend. His 4–1–3 overall record shows steady improvement, suggesting all those hours grinding video games have somehow translated to better hand-eye coordination on the course. Like his beloved Bears, who typically find new ways to disappoint every season but had a strong 2025 showing, Will is trending in the right direction and might be dangerous in 2026.
Tommy Auckland
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Bio: Tommy Auckland is a three-year tournament veteran who brings the same undefeated energy to the golf course that his band, the Bowline Brothers, brings to stages across Chicago and Nashville. This Kansas City free spirit has never lost a match (6–0–0), which is either a testament to his natural talent or proof that playing barefoot and slightly “elevated” provides some sort of competitive advantage the rest of us haven't figured out yet. Whether he's crooning lead vocals or draining putts, Tommy operates on a different wavelength than mere mortals—and the scoreboard doesn't lie. If you're paired against him, just enjoy the ride and maybe ask for a setlist, because you're probably going to lose anyway.
Clay Bierk
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Bio: Clay Bierk is a five-year tournament veteran who attacks golf with the same adrenaline-junkie intensity he brings to marathons, 50-milers, and snowboarding—which might explain his 4–1–5 record that screams "go big or go home." Two years after peaking in 2022 with a perfect 2-0 weekend alongside Tommy Auckland, Clay took all of 2024 off, then returned in 2025 looking rustier than his trail boots after a year in storage—losing Saturday and salvaging a devastating Sunday tie after a 4-putt on 18 that helped Team Ortmann find victory. Will a tournament in the altitude Clay loves to breathe finally unlock his potential?
Luke Blanton
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Bio: Luke Blanton is a six-year tournament veteran and perennial top-3 draft pick whose booming drives and high golf IQ make him one of the most talented players in the field His 6–2–4 overall record would be even more dominant if he could just figure out Sundays. Saturday Luke (4–1–1) is a force off the tee who sets the tone early, while Sunday Luke (2–1–3) has a curious habit of fading when it matters most, whether it was his Sunday loss as Team Rubix captain in 2022 or his devastating 2025 collapse where he blew a 3-up lead with 3 to go, handing Team Ortmann the championship. This former pledge class president can solve a rubix cube in under a minute but struggles to solve the mystery of his iron play and closing out matches. Still, when Luke's on his game, he's as good as anyone in the tournament—just don't let him think about what day of the week it is
Kevin Broshek
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Bio: Kevin Broshek is a tournament rookie whose 0–0–2 debut in 2025 tells the story of a man who showed up, got punched in the mouth twice, and had to fly back to Arizona wondering what the hell just happened. This Spring lost both Saturday and Sunday in his first appearance, learning the hard way that producing news stories is significantly easier than producing birdies. The sample size is small, the heartbreak is real, but we're hopeful this year's tournament in Denver will bring Broshek back for redemption—after all, everyone loves a good comeback story, and he's got nowhere to go but up. For a guy who works at a news station, his golf debut made headlines for all the wrong reasons, but here's hoping 2026 writes a better script.
Jay Bumstead
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Bio: Jay Bumstead is a five-year tournament veteran and 2023 champion whose split personality on the course rivals anything his beloved Chicago sports teams could dream up. Saturday Jay is an absolute disaster (0–1–4), seemingly incapable of winning a match when the weekend is fresh, but Sunday Jay (2–1–2) wakes up like a different person—focused, clutch, and ready to deliver when it matters most. As captain in 2023, he proved that his Sunday magic extends to pressure situations, outlasting fellow captain Sam Grass to bring home the championship trophy despite another Saturday stumble. What happens between Saturday night and Sunday morning remains one of golf's great mysteries—maybe it's the deep dish finally settling, maybe it's a first touchdown parlay win, or maybe Jay just needs 18 holes to remember he's actually good at this game. Either way, his 2–2–6 overall record undersells his ability to show up when the stakes are highest.
TJ Burke
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Bio: TJ Burke is a six-year tournament veteran whose 4–1–7 record and perpetual Saturday struggles (1–1–4) might be explained by the fact that he's constantly jet-setting between St. Louis and San Diego like some kind of nomad. Sunday TJ shows flashes of competence (3–0–3), but as 2025 captain, he couldn't overcome his Saturday curse—losing both days before watching his former 2024 partner Ethan Ortmann complete an incredible comeback and beat him in a playoff for the championship. Oh well, at least no wet pants this year. The betrayal stings even more knowing they went a perfect 2-0 together the year prior, proving TJ can win when paired with the right guy—just not against him. Now, with a wedding planned just months after this year's tournament in Denver, one has to wonder: is TJ's mind on cake tastings and seating charts instead of birdies and par saves? If Saturday TJ shows up for both days, Team Burke might be in trouble before the reception even starts.
Nick Catalano
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Bio: Nick Catalano is a two-year tournament veteran whose 2–0–2 record is the golf equivalent of a perfectly balanced portfolio—never too hot, never too cold, just consistently right down the middle. This St. Louis native turned New York finance guy brings the same measured approach to the course that he brought to his early years at BlackStone: 1–0–1 on Saturdays, 1–0–1 on Sundays, splitting matches with mathematical precision. When Nick makes it to the tournament, he's reliable and steady, even if his limited appearances (2021 and 2024) leave us wanting more. As a Knicks fan living in New York, he knows a thing or two about unfulfilled potential and long droughts between victories, but at least on the golf course he's never truly out of it. When he makes it to Denver this year, expect some high-yield returns to break out of the .500 record.
Mikey Chalcraft
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Bio: Mikey Chalcraft is a six-year tournament veteran and OG member whose 3–1–8 record doesn't tell the full story of his importance to this event. This St. Louis native turned Illinois resident started strong (2–0–1 in 2020-2021) but has endured a brutal 1–1–7 stretch since 2022, including a soul-crushing seven-match losing streak before finally breaking through with Frerking on Sunday in 2025 against Goetz and Halwaji. Despite the rough numbers, Mikey is often slotted into the last few pairings where every point matters, and the ones he does deliver can swing championships—he's the definition of a grinder who shows up year after year regardless of the outcome. You won't find flash or fireworks with Chalcraft, just steady presence and the occasional clutch moment when his team needs it most. After snapping that seven-match skid, maybe Denver 2026 is where Mikey finally gets hot.
Joe Connelly
Hometown: St. Louis
Years Played: 2020 - 2025 (6 Years)
Overall Record: 3-4-5
Captaincy Year & Outcome: 2021 Captain - Winner
Bio: Joe Connelly is a six-year tournament veteran, President & CEO of this entire operation, and the only man who's figured out how to tie three consecutive matches—a statistical anomaly that probably keeps him up at night given his love of analytics. This St. Louis native turned Kansas City tech consultant brings a 3–4–5 record that sits right around .500, which feels appropriate for someone who's clearly mastered the art of the push. After going 1–2–3 on Saturdays and improving to 2–2–2 on Sundays, Joe has settled into a groove of competitive mediocrity, though his recent stretch of ties suggests he's either perfectly calibrated his game or completely lost his ability to close. For a guy who runs the tournament and loves data, you'd think he could analyze his way out of a tie, but here we are—three straight halved matches and counting. If Joe can break his tie addiction in Denver, maybe he'll finally deliver the decisive result his spreadsheets have been begging for.
Connor Dolan
Hometown: St. Louis
Years Played: 2020 - 2025 (6 Years)
Overall Record: 3-4-5
Captaincy Year & Outcome: 2021 Captain - Winner
Bio: Connor Dolan is a five-year tournament veteran whose 4–0–6 record and perfectly identical Saturday/Sunday splits (2–0–3 each day) suggest a man who operates with machine-like consistency—probably because he's spent 75% of his life in airports and hotel rooms around the globe. After peaking in 2022 with an undefeated 2-0 weekend, Connor has hit turbulence, going winless in his last four matches (0-4 across 2023 and 2024) before skipping 2025 entirely. Whether that year off was to regroup, recharge, or just because he was literally on the other side of the planet is anyone's guess, but the world traveler clearly needs to find his 2022 form if he wants to stop the bleeding. When Dolan's game is clicking, he's as reliable as they come—splitting results evenly across both days—but four straight losses and a missed year suggest the jet lag might finally be catching up to him. Here's hoping Denver brings a fresh start and not just another layover.
Bryce Edstrom
Hometown: St. Louis
Years Played: 2020 - 2025 (6 Years)
Overall Record: 3-4-5
Captaincy Year & Outcome: 2021 Captain - Winner
Bio: Bryce Edstrom is a three-year tournament veteran whose 5–0–1 record reads like someone who figured out the game after one loss and then never looked back. This California transplant dropped his first match in 2020, then proceeded to win five straight—including a perfect 3-0 run on Sundays—before disappearing for three years like he had somewhere more important to be. Bryce went out on top after sweeping both days in 2022, but living on the West Coast has kept him away from the action since then, leaving us to wonder what could have been if he'd stuck around. With this year's tournament in Denver—the closest we've ever been to California—maybe Edstrom will finally make the flight and remind everyone why he's got the best winning percentage in tournament history. If Bryce is there, expect fireworks.
Andrew Fiaush
Hometown: St. Louis
Years Played: 2020 - 2025 (6 Years)
Overall Record: 3-4-5
Captaincy Year & Outcome: 2021 Captain - Winner
Bio: Andrew Fiaush is a three-year tournament veteran whose 2–0–4 record tells two completely different stories depending on what day you catch him. Saturday Fiaush (2–0–1) shows up ready to compete, but Sunday Fiaush (0–0–3) looks like he forgot golf exists—winless in three tries on day two with no signs of improvement. This Springfield native turned Kansas City dentist just passed his boards last year, proving he can handle pressure in the clinic but apparently not on the back nine when it matters most. Phulax, as a nod to his days as Sergeant at Arms, kept brothers in line with an iron fist, but someone needs to enforce some discipline on his Sunday game. If Fiaush can figure out how to translate his Saturday success into Sunday results, he'll be dangerous.
Ben Fite
Hometown: St. Louis
Years Played: 2020 - 2025 (6 Years)
Overall Record: 3-4-5
Captaincy Year & Outcome: 2021 Captain - Winner
Bio: Ben Fite is a two-year tournament veteran whose 2–0–2 record might seem modest, but both wins came when his team needed them most. This St. Louis native survived a collapsed lung while living in the Delt house, so a little golf pressure doesn't faze him, though his four-year gap between appearances (2021 and 2025) suggests he had more important things to worry about—like becoming a certified physician assistant in 2025. Fite goes 1-0-1 on both Saturdays and Sundays with machine-like consistency, never spectacular but never a liability, which is exactly what you want from someone who keeps people alive. After taking four years off to get his medical credentials in order, Ben returned in 2025 and picked up right where he left off: splitting matches and delivering when it counts. If he can make it to Denver, expect the same steady, reliable performance—and maybe keep a medical kit handy just in case.
Nick Frerking
Hometown: St. Louis
Years Played: 2020 - 2025 (6 Years)
Overall Record: 3-4-5
Captaincy Year & Outcome: 2021 Captain - Winner
Bio: Nick Frerking is a five-year tournament veteran and former high school wrestler whose 3–0–7 record undersells his value as a competitor who shows up every single year and battles in the toughest spots. This St. Louis native turned Austin transplant has never tied a match in his life, operating strictly in binary: he either wins or loses, with no middle ground, which makes his victories all the more meaningful when they come. Nick is often slotted into the later pairings where every point counts, and captains trust him in those high-pressure anchor positions because he never backs down—like his clutch Sunday performance with Chalcraft in 2025 that delivered a crucial win when his team needed it most. For a guy who's giving up inches to most of the field, Frerking brings that wrestler's mentality to the course: scrappy, relentless, and refusing to be intimidated by anyone, regardless of size or matchup. His 1–0–4 Saturday and 2–0–3 Sunday splits show he's capable of winning on both days, and when Nick breaks through, it's usually in moments that matter. Denver's altitude might just be the equalizer that helps him stack more wins and remind everyone why he's been a fixture in this tournament for five straight years.
Justin Goetz
Hometown: St. Louis
Years Played: 2020 - 2025 (6 Years)
Overall Record: 3-4-5
Captaincy Year & Outcome: 2021 Captain - Winner
Bio: Justin Goetz is a tournament rookie and Chicago native whose 0–0–2 debut in 2025 can be forgiven when you realize he's only been playing golf for about a year and spent most of his life in the gym instead of on the range. This Spring Italian bodybuilder showed up, lost both Saturday and Sunday, and learned the hard way that muscles don't translate to birdies. When you're built like Justin, the golf swing becomes less about finesse and more about trying not to launch the ball into orbit, which might explain why his short game needs serious work. The good news? Everyone has to start somewhere, and at 0-0-2, there's literally nowhere to go but up. If he can bring even a fraction of his gym discipline to his golf game in Denver, he might finally break through—and with his documentary filmmaking background from school, maybe he can put those skills to use and create the tournament film we've all been waiting for?
Sam Grass
Hometown: St. Louis
Years Played: 2020 - 2025 (6 Years)
Overall Record: 3-4-5
Captaincy Year & Outcome: 2021 Captain - Winner
Bio: Sam Grass is a six-year tournament veteran and OG member whose 3–2–7 record doesn't tell the full story. This St. Louis native turned Chicago engineer was a captain back in the Ozarks in 2023, losing to Jay Bumstead in a tournament he'd love to forget—though ironically, he's since been partnered with Bumstead and grinding out results together. Sam goes 2–1–3 on Saturdays and 1–1–4 on Sundays, but those two career ties have been absolute lifesavers, squeezing out crucial half-points when wins weren't available. He's a grinder who shows up every year, battles through tough matches, and finds a way to contribute even when the record looks rough. After six years of tournament experience, Sam knows how to navigate pressure situations, and those clutch ties prove he's not going anywhere without a fight. Denver could be where the engineer finally builds a winning formula.
Hunter Grobmyer
Hometown: St. Louis
Years Played: 2020 - 2025 (6 Years)
Overall Record: 3-4-5
Captaincy Year & Outcome: 2021 Captain - Winner
Bio: Hunter Grobmeyer is a three-year tournament veteran whose 2–0–4 record and perfectly balanced splits (1–0–2 on both Saturdays and Sundays) reflect the scrappy, no-quit mentality he brings from his finance work at an investment firm. This KC native turned Boston transplant has been grinding it out since 2022, and while the wins have been few and far between, he's shown steady improvement—finally breaking through on Saturday in 2025 after years of tough losses. Grobby plays with the same scrappy edge he uses to navigate markets, never backing down even when the odds aren't in his favor, and his willingness to battle through adversity makes him a valuable teammate even when the scorecard doesn't cooperate. Living in Boston hasn't made the trip to these tournaments easy, but Hunter keeps showing up, keeps fighting, and keeps chipping away at that losing record. If the scrappy finance guy can carry his 2025 Saturday momentum into Denver, he might finally turn the corner and prove that persistence pays off.
Elias Halwaji
Hometown: St. Louis
Years Played: 2020 - 2025 (6 Years)
Overall Record: 3-4-5
Captaincy Year & Outcome: 2021 Captain - Winner
Bio: Elias Halwaji is a two-year tournament veteran whose 0–0–3 record undersells his value as the ultimate team player. This dentist-in-training is going through the same program as Andrew Fiaush, and when Kyle Rudberg couldn't make Saturday in Kansas City in 2024, Elias answered the call without hesitation—stepping in on short notice to save the day even though golf isn't exactly his strongest suit. The uneven match count (2 Saturdays, 1 Sunday) reflects that heroic fill-in, and while the wins haven't come yet, his willingness to show up and compete when his team needs him speaks volumes. Elias brings the same dedication to the golf course that he brings to his dental work, and even if the scorecard doesn't cooperate, you can count on him to battle through every shot. If he makes it to Denver, don't expect fireworks—just expect a guy who'll give everything he's got and maybe work on your smile between rounds.
Charlie Henderson
Hometown: St. Louis
Years Played: 2020 - 2025 (6 Years)
Overall Record: 3-4-5
Captaincy Year & Outcome: 2021 Captain - Winner
Bio: Charlie Henderson is a six-year tournament veteran, OG member, and the backbone of this event's website—though all that promotional work couldn't save him from his 2022 captain loss to Michael Smegner in St. Louis. Charlie's 5–4–3 overall record includes a tournament-leading four ties (3–1–2 on Saturdays, 2–3–1 on Sundays), proving he's mastered the art of the push, especially on Sundays where he's tied three times. After struggling through 2021-2022, this St. Louis native got engaged, and suddenly figured out golf—going an undefeated 3–3–0 over his last three years (2023-2025) with zero losses in that timeframe. Coincidence? Probably not—married life clearly agrees with his golf game. Henderson's ability to grind out points when wins aren't always available makes him invaluable come Sunday afternoon.
Daniel Hopper
Hometown: St. Louis
Years Played: 2020 - 2025 (6 Years)
Overall Record: 3-4-5
Captaincy Year & Outcome: 2021 Captain - Winner
Bio: Daniel Hopper is a four-year tournament veteran whose 5–0–3 record and scorching hot streak make him one of the most dangerous players heading into Denver—and oh yeah, he lives there, so good luck beating him on his home turf. This St. Louis native turned Denver resident started slow in 2022 (0-0-2) but has been absolutely lights-out ever since, winning four straight matches across 2024 and 2025 without a single loss. Hopper goes 2–0–2 on Saturdays and an even better 3–0–1 on Sundays, showing he's got the stamina and mental game to close out matches when it counts. As an elementary school teacher, he's used to staying patient and managing chaos, which apparently translates perfectly to handling pressure on the golf course. With the tournament finally coming to his backyard in Denver, Hopper has every advantage imaginable—altitude familiarity, local course knowledge, and momentum that could carry him to MVP status. Don't be surprised if the teacher schools everyone in 2026.
Kyle Hull
Hometown: St. Louis
Years Played: 2020 - 2025 (6 Years)
Overall Record: 3-4-5
Captaincy Year & Outcome: 2021 Captain - Winner
Bio: Kyle Hull is a three-year tournament veteran whose 4–1–1 record includes a perfect 3–0 mark on Saturdays—the kind of consistency you'd expect from someone whose day job is building discipline and peak performance. This ripped personal trainer has never lost on Saturday (2021, 2022, 2024), but Sundays are a different story (1–1–1), suggesting either the soreness catches up or he's thinking about meal prep for the week ahead. Hull's spotty attendance (skipped 2023 and 2025) can be forgiven given he just got married and now has a baby on the way, which raises the obvious question: will he be able to make it to Denver in 2026, or will diaper duty keep him home? When Kyle’s available, he's a force—his 2022 partnership with Bryce Edstrom produced a flawless 2-0 weekend, and his Saturday dominance makes him a captain's dream first-round pick. If fatherhood and marriage don't affect his attendance, expect Hull to continue his Saturday streak and figure out how to replicate that success on Sunday.
Jake Karns
Hometown: St. Louis
Years Played: 2020 - 2025 (6 Years)
Overall Record: 3-4-5
Captaincy Year & Outcome: 2021 Captain - Winner
Bio: Jake Karns is a six-year tournament veteran and OG member whose 7–0–5 record tells the story of a man who used to golf in Vans and has since transformed into one of the tournament's hottest players. This Kansas City native and Big 4 auditor has never tied a match in his life—he either wins or loses, no middle ground—and recently he's been doing a whole lot of winning. Karns is currently riding a four-match win streak (swept both 2024 and 2025), culminating in his 2024 captaincy victory in Kansas City where he defeated his longtime buddy Chase Putnam to secure the Ryder Cup Trophy. After struggling through 2020-2022 (2-0-4), Jake ditched the casual footwear, upgraded his game, and has gone an impressive 5-0-1 since. His Saturday record (4–0–2) and Sunday record (3–0–3) show he's equally dangerous both days, and with momentum clearly on his side, Karns heads into Denver as one of the favorites. If he can extend this win streak, Karns suddenly becomes one of the best players out there record wise.
Ben Kirsch
Hometown: St. Louis
Years Played: 2020 - 2025 (6 Years)
Overall Record: 3-4-5
Captaincy Year & Outcome: 2021 Captain - Winner
Bio: Ben Kirsch is a three-year tournament veteran whose 3–0–3 record splits perfectly down the middle, though his slight Saturday struggles (1–0–2) versus Sunday success (2–0–1) suggest he figures something out overnight. This St. Louis native has mastered the art of the bounce-back, losing on Saturday in both 2023 and 2025 only to wake up Sunday morning and deliver wins, which raises the question: does a solid Saturday night consumption of AB products unlock his Sunday game, or does he just need an extra day to find his rhythm? Whether it's the beer or just natural adjustment, Kirsch has proven he's not out of a match until the final putt drops. Now moving to Dallas, Ben will have to adjust to a new city while maintaining his perfect .500 record, but if he can keep his Sunday magic alive, he'll remain a valuable asset to any captain willing to be patient through Saturday's struggles. Denver might be the altitude adjustment he needs to finally put together a complete weekend.
Danny Lang
Hometown: St. Louis
Years Played: 2020 - 2025 (6 Years)
Overall Record: 3-4-5
Captaincy Year & Outcome: 2021 Captain - Winner
Bio: Danny Lang is a five-year tournament veteran and 2026 captain whose 8–1–1 record is among the most impressive in tournament history. This St. Louis native turned Denver resident will have home-field advantage when he leads his squad into the Rocky Mountains, and with a dominant Sunday record (4–1–0) that includes zero losses on day two, he's built to close out matches when it matters most. Lang's only blemish is a Saturday loss in 2024 while paired with Luke Blanton, but they bounced back the next day to win, proving he's got the resilience captains need. After missing 2025, Danny returns to his backyard ready to settle the score and prove that altitude, experience, and an elite winning percentage are the recipe for championship glory. If Lang can channel his Sunday dominance into a full weekend performance, Team Lang might just run away with it.
Carson Lujin
Hometown: St. Louis
Years Played: 2020 - 2025 (6 Years)
Overall Record: 3-4-5
Captaincy Year & Outcome: 2021 Captain - Winner
Bio: Carson Lujin is a six-year tournament veteran and OG member whose 4–1–7 record reflects the chaos of his golf game. This KC native turned Chicago finance bro operates like a robot with a no-sleep, work-hard-play-hard mentality, which works great in the office but leads to some wild Saturday/Sunday splits (2–0–4 and 2–1–3 respectively) on the course. Lujin peaked in 2023 with a flawless 2-0 weekend in the Ozarks, proving he can dominate when his bombs find the fairway, but he's currently suffering through a brutal 0-4 cold streak across 2024-2025 that suggests the driver needs recalibration. This robot doesn't do moderation—he either crushes it or self-destructs, with no middle ground—and right now the system is malfunctioning. If Lujin can rediscover his 2023 form, we may see drive lengths never seen before, so buckle up either way.
Brandon Mancillas
Hometown: St. Louis
Years Played: 2020 - 2025 (6 Years)
Overall Record: 3-4-5
Captaincy Year & Outcome: 2021 Captain - Winner
Bio: Brandon Mancillas is a six-year tournament veteran and OG Spring whose 4–3–5 record reflects the steady, calculated approach you'd expect from an accountant. This St. Louis native goes 2–2–2 on Saturdays with perfect balance and 2–1–3 on Sundays, peaking in 2021 with a flawless 2-0 weekend alongside Tommy Auckland before settling into a pattern of close matches and tight finishes. Mancillas has tied his last two matches, showing he's competitive even when wins are hard to come by, and as one of the original Springs (along with Ben Mesnier), he's been a steady presence since day one. Known as a big sports gambler who especially loves betting on golf, Brandon brings that competitive edge to every round, always looking for an angle and never backing down from a challenge. Is there a chance he’s betting on his own matches? We may never know. But, if he can turn those recent pushes into wins in Denver, the accountant might finally break through and cash in on his most important bet yet—a tournament championship.
Liam Meagher
Hometown: St. Louis
Years Played: 2020 - 2025 (6 Years)
Overall Record: 3-4-5
Captaincy Year & Outcome: 2021 Captain - Winner
Bio: Liam Meagher is a five-year tournament veteran and Spring whose 3–0–7 record severely undersells his actual talent—though being the last guy to bed on Saturday night might explain his brutal Sunday performance over the years. This Chicago native goes a respectable 2–0–3 on Saturdays when he's fresh, but historically something happens between Saturday night and Sunday morning that turns him into a completely different golfer, and it's not the altitude. Liam's commitment to the post-round festivities is admirable, but after going 0-4 on Sundays through his first four years, he finally beat those charges in 2025—winning on Sunday for the first time and proving that maybe, just maybe, he's figured out the secret to Sunday success. If Liam can bottle whatever worked in 2025 and bring that same Sunday energy to Denver, he might finally turn the corner and prove he's not just a Saturday specialist.
Jordan Merkel
Hometown: St. Louis
Years Played: 2020 - 2025 (6 Years)
Overall Record: 3-4-5
Captaincy Year & Outcome: 2021 Captain - Winner
Bio: Jordan Merkel is a six-year tournament veteran and the consensus best player in the field, posting an elite 6–1–3 record that would be even more dominant if not for a rough start in 2020. As one of the original captains that inaugural year, Jordan lost the tournament to Truman Webb, dropping both Saturday and Sunday matches with Grass—accounting for two of his three career losses. Since then, this St. Louis firefighter has been absolutely untouchable on Sundays, going 4-0 over the past five years without a single loss on day two. Merkel's Saturday record (2–1–2) is solid but unspectacular, yet when the pressure's on and it's time to close out matches on Sunday, he delivers like he's saving lives—which, as a firefighter, is literally his day job. After missing 2024, Jordan returned in 2025 with Ethan Ortmann and immediately reminded everyone why he's the gold standard, winning on Sunday as always. If Denver brings out the best version of Merkel, opposing captains better hope they're not facing him on day two.
Ben Mesnier
Hometown: St. Louis
Years Played: 2020 - 2025 (6 Years)
Overall Record: 3-4-5
Captaincy Year & Outcome: 2021 Captain - Winner
Bio: Ben Mesnier is a six-year tournament veteran and OG Spring whose 7–2–3 record is anchored by a dominant 5–1–0 Saturday performance that's among the best in tournament history—undefeated on day one with five wins and a tie. This St. Louis tax associate knows how to show up when the weekend starts, but his Sunday record (2–1–3) tells a different story, likely because he's one of the last guys to bed and definitely the loudest snorer in the house, which is a difficult award to win. After losing three straight Sundays from 2020-2022, Mesnier has figured something out recently, going 2-1-0 on Sundays since 2023 and proving that maybe age and experience have taught him the value of sleep. As an original who's played every single year, Ben's commitment to the tournament is unmatched, even if his commitment to shutting up at night remains nonexistent. If he can keep his recent Sunday momentum alive in Denver, the tax man may finally collect.
Johnny Mohler
Hometown: St. Louis
Years Played: 2020 - 2025 (6 Years)
Overall Record: 3-4-5
Captaincy Year & Outcome: 2021 Captain - Winner
Bio: Johnny Mohler is a five-year tournament veteran and original Spring whose 6–1–3 record includes an absolutely dominant undefeated streak since 2023—going 5-1-0 over his last six matches without a single loss. This Chicago Bears fan started rough in 2021-2022 (going 1-0-3), but something clicked in 2023 and he's been unstoppable ever since, posting solid 3-0-2 Saturday and 3-1-1 Sunday splits that show he's dangerous both days. When Johnny's not busy following the Grateful Dead or suffering through another Bears season, he's out here grinding matches and stacking wins like he's collecting bootleg tapes. His recent partnership with Ben Mesnier in 2024 produced a perfect 2-0 weekend, and even when he doesn't win outright (like his 2025 Sunday tie), he refuses to lose. If Mohler can keep this streak alive in Denver, he might just be jamming his way to a championship
Ethan Ortmann
Hometown: St. Louis
Years Played: 2020 - 2025 (6 Years)
Overall Record: 3-4-5
Captaincy Year & Outcome: 2021 Captain - Winner
Bio: Ethan Ortmann is a six-year tournament veteran and OG member whose 7–1–4 record and reigning championship status make him one of the most accomplished players in the field. This St. Louis native turned Dallas resident was the 2025 captain who orchestrated an incredible comeback against TJ Burke's team, then beat Burke himself in a tiebreaker to secure the Ryder Cup Trophy—ironic for a guy who supposedly struggles under pressure. Ortmann's only Saturday loss came in 2025 (4–1–1 on Saturdays), but his ability to deliver when it counts most clearly overrides any pressure concerns. With a solid 3–0–3 Sunday record and championship pedigree, Ethan has proven he can handle the big moments and rise to the occasion when the tournament is on the line. The newly engaged Ortmann heads into Denver as the defending champion with a target on his back and wedding planning on his mind, but if his 2025 playoff performance is any indication, betting against Ethan in clutch situations is a losing proposition—he's built for these moments and thrives when the pressure is highest.
Chase Putnam
Hometown: St. Louis
Years Played: 2020 - 2025 (6 Years)
Overall Record: 3-4-5
Captaincy Year & Outcome: 2021 Captain - Winner
Bio: Chase Putnam is a three-year tournament veteran whose perfectly balanced 2–0–4 record (1–0–2 on both Saturdays and Sundays) reflects a player who's as steady as he is unlucky—especially when it comes to captaincy. This KC native was a captain in 2024 in Kansas City, losing to his longtime buddy Jake Karns in heartbreaking fashion on home turf. That wasn't even Chase's most memorable moment with Karns—back in 2021, he crashed a golf cart into a tree while paired with Jake, setting the tone for a partnership that's produced both chaos and camaraderie. When Putnam's not busy attending EDM festivals or catching concerts, he's out here splitting matches with machine-like precision. With appearances in 2021, 2023, and 2024 (skipping 2022 and 2025), Chase has been selective about his tournament attendance, but when he shows up, you can count on close matches and at least one unforgettable story. Maybe Denver will finally break his .500 curse—or at least keep the carts away from the trees.
Zach Quoss
Hometown: St. Louis
Years Played: 2020 - 2025 (6 Years)
Overall Record: 3-4-5
Captaincy Year & Outcome: 2021 Captain - Winner
Bio: Zach Quoss is a four-year tournament veteran and St. Louis lawyer whose 2–0–6 record tells the story of a man who shows up strong on Saturdays (2–0–2) but completely falls apart on Sundays (0–0–4)—and it's not a legal strategy, it's a hangover. Quoss is typically the most hungover player on the course come Sunday morning, which explains his perfect 0-4 record on day two and raises serious questions about whether you'd want him representing you in court if this is how he handles pressure situations. Saturday night shenanigans are his specialty, and while that makes him the life of the party, it also makes him a liability when the sun comes up and tee times arrive. When Zach's fresh and focused on Saturday, he can compete with anyone, but ask him to do literally anything on Sunday and you're setting yourself up for disappointment. If Quoss can figure out moderation—or at least hydration—before Denver, he might finally break his Sunday curse; if not, expect another 1-0-1 weekend and a lot of Gatorade.
Patrick Roth
Hometown: St. Louis
Years Played: 2020 - 2025 (6 Years)
Overall Record: 3-4-5
Captaincy Year & Outcome: 2021 Captain - Winner
Bio: Patrick Roth is a five-year tournament veteran and 2026 captain whose 4–4–2 record masks a clear Saturday-versus-Sunday divide that could define his team's chances in Denver. This Chicago native and die-hard Bears and Cubs fan goes 3–1–1 on Saturdays but can't seem to close on Sundays, posting a 1–3–1 record that includes three ties—proof he knows how to hang around but struggles to finish. Here's the storyline: Patrick faces off against Danny Lang, the very same guy he tied with back in 2020 on Sunday when they were partners—talk about a full-circle moment. Unlike Lang, who gets home-field advantage in Denver, Roth is walking into enemy territory without the altitude familiarity or local course knowledge, putting extra pressure on his Saturday performances to set the tone. If Patrick can channel his Saturday success and turn those Sunday ties into wins, Team Roth has a shot; if not, Lang's squad will run away with it on day two. No pressure, just a Chicago sports fan trying not to settle for moral victories when championships are on the line.
Kyle Rudberg
Hometown: St. Louis
Years Played: 2020 - 2025 (6 Years)
Overall Record: 3-4-5
Captaincy Year & Outcome: 2021 Captain - Winner
Bio: Kyle Rudberg is a five-year tournament veteran from St. Louis whose 3–0–6 record has been hampered by a tough stretch—he hasn't won a match since 2022 Saturday, dropping four straight. Everyone calls him "Chops," and while his decision to be a Cowboys fan while living in St. Louis raises questions, his loyalty is unquestionable. Rudberg goes 1–0–3 on Saturdays and a slightly better 2–0–3 on Sundays, showing he can compete even if the wins have been hard to come by lately. After needing Elias Halwaji to step in for him on Saturday in 2024 and being unable to make 2025, Chops has had a couple years away from the action. If he can make it back to Denver and shake off the rust, breaking that four-match losing streak dating back to 2022 would be the perfect comeback story—and remind everyone why they call him Chops in the first place.
Justin Shepley
Hometown: St. Louis
Years Played: 2020 - 2025 (6 Years)
Overall Record: 3-4-5
Captaincy Year & Outcome: 2021 Captain - Winner
Bio: Justin Shepley is a four-year tournament veteran and original Spring whose 5–2–1 record is absolutely ridiculous considering he's a relative newcomer to the sport. This Chicago native and Big 4 CPA has exactly one loss in his entire tournament career—way back in 2022 Sunday—and has been undefeated since, going 4-2-0 over his last six matches. Shepley goes undefeated on Saturdays (3–1–0) and nearly perfect on Sundays (2–1–1), relying purely on natural athleticism to dominate players who've been grinding their games for years. After that lone loss in his debut year, Justin figured something out and hasn't dropped a match since, sweeping both days in 2023 and 2024 before tying both in 2025. While the rest of us have been taking lessons and practicing for decades, Shepley showed up and became one of the best players in the field almost overnight. If he can maintain this trajectory in Denver, he may become a top draft pick in the coming years.
Michael Smegner
Hometown: St. Louis
Years Played: 2020 - 2025 (6 Years)
Overall Record: 3-4-5
Captaincy Year & Outcome: 2021 Captain - Winner
Bio: Michael Smegner is a six-year tournament veteran and OG member whose perfectly balanced 5–2–5 record (3–0–3 on Saturdays, 2–2–2 on Sundays) reflects the methodical consistency you'd expect from a reliable competitor. This St. Louis native turned Chicago accountant was a captain in 2022 and defeated Charlie Henderson in STL to secure the championship, proving that good things come in small packages. Smegner's .500 record both days shows he's steady and dependable, like an elf on Christmas Eve—except instead of delivering toys, he's delivering seeds down the middle of the fairway. The question heading into Denver: will Michael have the time to prioritize golf and channel his 2022 championship form, or will the small guy with the big track record be running on fumes when it matters most?
Matt Wasson
Hometown: St. Louis
Years Played: 2020 - 2025 (6 Years)
Overall Record: 3-4-5
Captaincy Year & Outcome: 2021 Captain - Winner
Bio: Matt Wasson is a four-year tournament veteran whose 5–0–3 record hides one of the most extreme Saturday-versus-Sunday splits in tournament history. This Minnesota native and die-hard Vikings fan works in private equity in Chicago, grinding long hours and high-pressure deals, which apparently has prepared him perfectly for Sunday golf—he's a flawless 4–0–0 on day two, never losing when it matters most. The problem? Saturday Matt is a completely different player, going 1–0–3 and dropping almost every first-day match like he's still shaking off the work week. Wasson doesn't let pressure get to him, which is why he's absolutely lights-out on Sundays, but someone needs to figure out how to unlock that same composure 24 hours earlier. His ability to deliver when the stakes are highest makes him a captain's dream closer, even if getting there requires surviving his Saturday struggles. If Matt can finally put together a complete weekend in Denver instead of his usual "lose Saturday, dominate Sunday" routine, he might just be the most dangerous player in the field.
Truman Webb
Hometown: St. Louis
Years Played: 2020 - 2025 (6 Years)
Overall Record: 3-4-5
Captaincy Year & Outcome: 2021 Captain - Winner
Bio: Truman Webb is a six-year tournament veteran, OG member, and the tournament's first-ever champion, defeating Jordan Merkel in 2020 to establish himself as one of the elite players in the field. This KC native and die-hard Chiefs fan is consistently chosen in the top three of every draft, and his 6–3–3 record backs it up, especially on Sundays where he goes 4–1–1 with a four-year win streak from 2020-2023. After working in private equity in St. Louis, Truman is now getting his MBA at University of Chicago, proving he's as good in the boardroom as he is on the golf course. Here's a weird stat: Webb has tied Joe Connelly three straight years (2023, 2024, 2025), suggesting these two have some kind of cosmic equilibrium that refuses to be broken. His Saturday record (2–2–2) is solid if unspectacular, but when Sunday rolls around, Truman knows how to close—though his 2025 Sunday loss snapped that streak. Will the first ever champion lead his team to another victory this year in Denver?