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. Despite winning two major championships, Daly remains the only major winner since the Ryder Cup’s inception in 1927 to never have participated in the event. At 59, he still dreams of contributing to the team, perhaps as a captain or vice-captain, though he admits his chances of being named captain for the 2027 edition at Adare Manor in Ireland are slim.
Tiger Woods as captain: Daly’s dream scenario
“I’d love to be captain one day, but it probably won’t happen,” Daly said. Still, he continued to dream, expressing his admiration for Tiger Woods as a potential captain. “Tiger would be an incredible captain,” Daly added. “I’d love to be vice-captain or just be part of the team in any way.”
While Daly’s candidacy as vice-captain may seem unlikely, his presence could bring a relaxed and spirited energy to the American squad. “I’d love to bring my ideas and hopefully help the guys,” Daly said. “It would be a dream come true, something I’ve wanted since winning the PGA Championship in 1991.” He also mentioned feeling he should have been selected for the team twice, but “it just didn’t happen.”
Patriotism and team spirit fuel Daly’s ambition
For Daly, any role with the Ryder Cup team would be a meaningful consolation, especially given his deep sense of patriotism. “I think our team needs to come together more like a family and fully stand behind the United States of America, instead of focusing on personal gain,” he stated. “I just want to win the Ryder Cup.”
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”—drinking beer from paper cups and chain-smoking during his first major—his patriotic spirit continues to resonate with fans across the U.S.