FORT WORTH, TEXAS – The line-ups have been confirmed for the 2026 Simpson Cup, with 26 injured Service members and veterans from the United States and Great Britain set to compete at historic Shady Oaks Country Club from November 1–4, 2026.
The annual Ryder Cup-style matchplay competition, now in its 14th year, brings together teams of 13 players representing the U.S. and Great Britain in support of On Course Foundation, the charity that helps wounded, injured and sick veterans rebuild their lives through golf, education, mentoring and employment opportunities within the golf industry.
Leading Team USA will be Plano resident Jacob Nelson, who has represented his country in seven previous Simpson Cups and takes on the captaincy for the first time. Nelson inherits a squad packed with experience as the Americans look to reclaim the trophy outright for the first time since 2021.
Among those returning are two-time former captain Marty Caraway and former captain Chad Pfeifer, a nine-time Simpson Cup veteran who boasts an outstanding 14-4-0 career record. Pfeifer also made history in 2015 as the first amputee to compete on the Korn Ferry Tour. The U.S. team also welcomes two Simpson Cup rookies into its lineup.
“To captain Team USA in the Simpson Cup is an incredible privilege, and the fact that this year’s event is taking place here in my home state of Texas makes it even more special,” said Nelson. “Shady Oaks is one of the most iconic clubs in American golf, so it’s a fitting stage for an event that means so much to all of us. We have a tremendous group of players, and I can’t wait to lead them in front of our supporters as we look to bring the Cup back to the United States.”
Great Britain will be captained for the first time by Neil Flynn, another seven-time Simpson Cup veteran who takes charge of a side looking to continue its recent success on American soil. The British arrive in Texas in possession of the trophy, and leading the overall series 7-6 after a commanding victory at Royal St George’s in 2025. Their squad blends experience with exciting new talent, including five Simpson Cup rookies. Among the veterans is Mike Browne, who will make his 10th Simpson Cup appearance. An amputee, Browne has also competed professionally on the G4D Tour Series.
“It’s a tremendous honor to captain Great Britain in the Simpson Cup, especially having been part of this event as a player for so many years,” Flynn said. “We know we’ll be up against a strong U.S. team on their home turf, but we’ve remained unbeaten on our last two trips to America and we’ll take plenty of confidence from that. With five talented rookies joining an experienced core, I believe we’ve got a squad that’s ready to embrace the challenge and compete for another victory.”
The 2026 Simpson Cup will be staged at the prestigious Shady Oaks Country Club, the longtime home course of golf legend Ben Hogan, adding another iconic venue to a championship that has previously visited TPC Sawgrass, Congressional Country Club, Oak Hill, St Andrews Links, Shinnecock Hills and Royal St George’s.
This year’s tournament will also coincide with the launch of On Course Foundation’s dedicated Texas Chapter, extending year-round support in a state that is home to more than 400,000 wounded, injured and sick veterans.
John Simpson MBE, founder of the Simpson Cup, Chairman and Founder of On Course Foundation, and former Senior Vice President of International Management Group (IMG), believes the 2026 event represents another landmark moment for the organization.
“The Simpson Cup represents the very best of competitive golf, while also demonstrating the life-changing impact the game can have on wounded, injured, and sick veterans,” Simpson said. “To bring this year’s event to a venue as iconic as Shady Oaks is incredibly exciting, and the launch of our dedicated Texas Chapter means the legacy of the tournament will continue long after the final match has been played. I can’t wait to see another unforgettable week of competition, camaraderie, and inspiration unfold.”
The Simpson Cup opens on the evening of Sunday, November 1, with the Opening Ceremony and Gala Dinner, before a player-sponsor tournament on Monday. Competitive play begins on Tuesday with six four-ball matches, before the contest concludes on Wednesday with 13 singles matches and the presentation of the Simpson Cup.
SCHEDULE OF SIMPSON CUP EVENTS:
Sunday, November 1st – Official Opening Ceremony, followed by Gala Dinner
Monday, November 2nd – Player/Sponsor Tournament
Tuesday, November 3rd – Simpson Cup Tournament Day 1 – Four Ball matches
Wednesday, November 4th – Simpson Cup Tournament Day 2 – Singles matches, followed by Cup presentation and Closing Ceremony
ON COURSE FOUNDATION:
On Course Foundation (OCF) is a registered charity in the UK and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the USA. Through the game of golf, OCF supports wounded, injured and sick veterans by providing coaching, mentoring, education, employment support and pathways into careers within the golf industry. Since its launch, thousands of veterans have benefited from the Foundation’s programmes, with many going on to secure meaningful employment in the golf industry, helping them rebuild confidence, purpose and long-term wellbeing.
THE SIMPSON CUP:
The Simpson Cup is an annual tournament between teams of 13 injured Service members and veterans from the USA and their British counterparts. The Ryder Cup-style tournament showcases the unique position of golf as one of the few sports where players of all skills and abilities can play together on a level playing field, because of the official golf handicap system.
The tournament is named after its founder, John Simpson MBE, the former Senior Vice President of International Management Group (IMG), who has only one fully-functioning leg as a result of suffering polio as a child. During his time at IMG, John managed elite sportsmen such as Sir Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer, Vijay Singh and Lord Sebastian Coe.
Competitors involved in the Simpson Cup are all members of On Course Foundation. The Simpson Cup raises awareness and funds for OCF, a 501(c)(3) registered organization in the USA and a registered charity in the UK.
