John Daly hopes for a late Ryder Cup role in 2027 and praises Tiger Woods as a potential U.S. team captain.
In an exclusive interview with Hard Rock Bet, John Daly opened up about his ambitions to be part of the U.S. Ryder Cup team in 2027. Despite being a two-time major champion, Daly remains the only major winner since the Ryder Cup’s inception in 1927 to never have participated in the event. Now 59, Daly admitted that while it’s unlikely he’ll be named captain for the 2027 edition at Adare Manor in Ireland, he still dreams of being involved in some capacity.
Tiger Woods as Captain: Daly’s Ideal Scenario
“I would love to be captain one day, but that’s probably never going to happen,” Daly said. Still, he expressed enthusiasm for the idea of Tiger Woods leading the team. “Tiger would be an incredible captain,” Daly added. “I’d love to be a co-captain or just be part of the team in any way.”
While Daly’s aspirations to serve as vice-captain may seem far-fetched, his charismatic presence could bring a relaxed and spirited energy to the American squad. “I’d love to bring my ideas and hopefully help the guys,” he said. “It would be a dream come true for me—something I’ve wanted since I won the PGA Championship in 1991.” Daly also noted that he felt he should have been selected for the team twice in the past, but “it just didn’t happen.”
Patriotism and Team Spirit Drive Daly
For Daly, any role within the Ryder Cup team would be a meaningful consolation, especially given his strong patriotic sentiments. “I think our team just needs to come together more like a family and fully stand behind the United States of America, instead of thinking about what we get out of it personally,” he said. “I just want the Ryder Cup trophy.”
John Daly remains one of the most beloved figures in American golf. Known for his massive drives and colorful personality, he won the PGA Championship in 1991 and the Open Championship in 1995. Nicknamed “Long John,” Daly is still the only major winner never to have played in a Ryder Cup. Despite his reputation as golf’s “enfant terrible”—famously drinking beer and chain-smoking during his first major appearance—his patriotic fervor has not gone unnoticed in the U.S.