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 acknowledged that his chances of being named captain at Adare Manor in Ireland are slim, but he remains hopeful for a role—perhaps as vice-captain.
Tiger Woods as Captain: Daly’s Dream Scenario
“I’d love to be captain one day, but it’s probably never going to happen,” Daly admitted. Still, he expressed enthusiasm about the idea of Tiger Woods leading the team. “Tiger would be an incredible captain,” Daly said, adding that he would love to be vice-captain or involved in any way. While Daly’s candidacy may seem far-fetched, his relaxed demeanor and experience could bring a fresh dynamic to the U.S. team. “I’d love to share my ideas and hopefully help the guys,” he said. “It’s something I’ve dreamed of since winning the PGA Championship in 1991.” Daly also mentioned 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 involvement 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 stand behind the United States of America, instead of focusing on personal gain,” 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 powerful drives and colorful personality. He won the PGA Championship in 1991 and the Open Championship in 1995. Despite his success, Daly—nicknamed “Long John”—has never played in a Ryder Cup. His patriotic fervor and unique character have left a lasting impression on fans, even as he continues to dream of a Ryder Cup debut in some capacity.