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 a two-time major champion, Daly remains the only major winner since the Ryder Cup’s inception in 1927 to have never participated in the event. At 59, he still sees a slim chance of joining the team as a captain or vice-captain, though he admits the odds are low for being named captain at Adare Manor in Ireland.
Tiger Woods as Captain – Daly’s Ideal Scenario
“I’d love to be a captain one day, but it’s probably never going to happen,” Daly said. Still, he continued to dream, expressing his support for Tiger Woods as a potential team leader. Daly added that he would be thrilled to be part of the team in any capacity. “Tiger would be an incredible captain,” he said. “I’d love to be a vice-captain or just somehow involved.”
While Daly’s bid to be a vice-captain may seem far-fetched, fans might welcome a duo of Woods and Daly leading the team. Daly believes he could help bring a more relaxed and open atmosphere to the squad. “I’d love to bring my ideas and hopefully help the guys,” he said. “It would be a dream come true, something I’ve wanted since winning the PGA Championship in 1991.” Daly also mentioned he felt he should have been selected for the team twice, but “it just didn’t happen.”
Patriotism and Team Spirit Drive Daly
For Daly, being part of the Ryder Cup team in any form would be a meaningful consolation, especially as a proud American patriot. “I think our team just needs to come together more like a family and fully stand behind the United States of America, instead of worrying 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 golfers in the U.S., known for his prodigious 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 the Ryder Cup. Despite his reputation as golf’s “enfant terrible”—famously drinking beer and chain-smoking during his first major—his strong patriotic stance has not gone unnoticed in the U.S.