John Daly hopes for a late Ryder Cup role in 2027 and praises Tiger Woods as a potential US team captain.
In an exclusive interview with Hard Rock Bet, John Daly opened up about his ambitions to be part of the USA’s Ryder Cup team in 2027. Daly remains the only Major winner since the Ryder Cup’s inception in 1927 who has never participated in this prestigious event. Now 59 years old, he acknowledges the slim chances of being named captain for the US team at Adare Manor in Ireland but still sees a possible role as captain or co-captain.
Tiger Woods as Captain – Daly’s Ideal Scenario
Daly stated, ‘I would love to be captain one day, but that will probably never happen.’ He further expressed his dream of seeing Tiger Woods as captain, while also envisioning himself as part of the US team. ‘Tiger would be an incredible captain,’ Daly added. ‘I would love to be a co-captain or somehow part of the team.’
If American fans were asked about a captain duo of Tiger Woods and John Daly, their response would likely be enthusiastic. Though Daly’s hopes for a Ryder Cup vice-captain role may seem unlikely, he believes he could help the team play with more ease and freedom. ‘I would love to see it, bring my ideas, and hopefully help the guys,’ Daly explained. He also shared that it’s been a lifelong dream since winning the PGA Championship in 1991, and though he felt he should have been selected to the team twice, it simply never happened.
Patriotism and Team Spirit as Daly’s Driving Forces
For Daly, even some form of inclusion in the Ryder Cup team would be a consolation, particularly as a devoted American patriot. ‘I think our team just 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, adding, ‘I just want the Ryder Cup trophy.’
John Daly is among the most popular golfers in the United States, renowned especially for his exceptionally long drives. He has won two major titles in his career: the 1991 PGA Championship and the 1995 Open Championship. Nicknamed ‘Long John,’ Daly remains the only major champion since the Ryder Cup began in 1927 to have never taken part in the event. Although known as the ‘enfant terrible’ of golf—famously drinking beer from paper cups and chain-smoking during his first major—his strong patriotic spirit has been well recognized in the US.