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 shared his aspirations to be part of the U.S. Ryder Cup team in 2027. Despite being the only major champion never to have played in the Ryder Cup since its inception in 1927, the 59-year-old still sees a slim chance of joining the team as a captain or vice-captain. Daly admitted, however, that the odds of being named captain for the 2027 event at Adare Manor in Ireland are low.
Tiger Woods as Captain: Daly’s Ideal Scenario
“I’d love to be captain one day, but it’s probably never going to happen,” Daly said. Still, he continued to dream, expressing his admiration for Tiger Woods as a potential team leader. “Tiger would be an incredible captain,” Daly added. “I’d love to be vice-captain or just somehow part of the team.”
While Daly’s candidacy as vice-captain might seem far-fetched, his presence could bring a relaxed and spirited vibe to the American squad. “I’d love to contribute my ideas and hopefully help the guys,” he said. “It would be a dream experience for me, something I’ve wanted since winning the PGA Championship in 1991.” Daly also mentioned he felt he deserved to be selected for the team twice in the past, but “it just didn’t happen.”
Patriotism and Team Spirit Drive Daly
For Daly, any role with the Ryder Cup team would be a meaningful consolation, especially given his strong patriotic sentiments. “I think our team needs to come together more like a family and fully support the United States of America, instead of thinking about what we personally get out of it,” 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, he won two major championships: 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 the Ryder Cup. Despite his reputation as golf’s “enfant terrible”—drinking beer from paper cups and chain-smoking during his first major—his patriotic passion has not gone unnoticed in the U.S.