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 hopes of being part of the U.S. Ryder Cup team in 2027. Daly, a two-time major champion, remains the only major winner since the Ryder Cup’s inception in 1927 to have never participated in the event. Now 59, Daly admitted that while his chances of being named captain at Adare Manor in Ireland are slim, he still dreams of contributing to the team in some capacity.
Tiger Woods as captain: Daly’s dream scenario
“I would love to be captain one day, but that’s probably never going to happen,” Daly said. Still, he expressed enthusiasm about 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 the idea of a Tiger-Daly leadership duo might seem far-fetched, Daly believes his presence could help bring a more relaxed and free-spirited energy to the U.S. squad. “I’d love to bring in my ideas and hopefully help the guys,” he said. “It would be a dream come true, 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 drives Daly’s Ryder Cup ambition
For Daly, being part of the Ryder Cup team in any role would be a meaningful consolation, especially given his strong patriotic values. “I think our team needs to come together more like a family and fully support the United States of America, instead of worrying about what we personally get out of it,” he said. “I just want to win the Ryder Cup trophy.”
John Daly remains one of the most beloved figures in American golf, known for his booming drives and colorful personality. He won the 1991 PGA Championship and the 1995 Open Championship, earning the nickname “Long John.” Despite his success, Daly has never played in a Ryder Cup. His flamboyant style—drinking beer and chain-smoking during his first major—made him a fan favorite, and his outspoken patriotism continues to resonate with American golf fans.