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 joining 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, Daly still dreams of contributing to the team, possibly as captain or vice-captain, though he admits the chances of being selected for the 2027 edition at Adare Manor in Ireland are slim.
Tiger Woods as captain: Daly’s dream scenario
“I would love to be captain one day, but it’s probably never going to happen,” Daly said. Still, he continued to dream, suggesting that Tiger Woods would make an incredible captain. Daly expressed his desire to be part of the team in any capacity. “Tiger would be an amazing captain,” he added. “I would love to be a vice-captain or just somehow be involved.”
While Daly’s bid for a leadership role may seem far-fetched, his presence could bring a relaxed and spirited energy to the American squad. “I’d love to contribute ideas and hopefully help the guys,” Daly said. “It would be a dream come true for me, something I’ve wanted ever since I won the PGA Championship in 1991.” He also noted that 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 form of inclusion in the Ryder Cup team would be a meaningful consolation, especially given his deep patriotism. “I think our team needs to come together more like a family and stand fully behind the United States of America, instead of focusing on personal gain,” he said. “I just want to win the Ryder Cup.”
John Daly remains one of the most popular golfers in the United States, known for his prodigious driving distance and colorful personality. He won the PGA Championship in 1991 and the Open Championship in 1995. Despite his success, he has never played in a Ryder Cup. Nicknamed “Long John,” Daly is also remembered for his unconventional style—drinking beer and chain-smoking during his first major appearance—yet his patriotic fervor has not gone unnoticed in the U.S.