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 being a two-time major champion, Daly remains the only major winner since the Ryder Cup’s inception in 1927 to have never played 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 for 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 somehow part of the team.”
While Daly’s aspirations may seem far-fetched, his presence could bring a relaxed and spirited dynamic to the American squad. “I’d love to bring 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 that he felt he should have been selected for the team on two occasions, but “it just didn’t happen.”
Patriotism and Team Spirit Drive Daly
For Daly, being named to the Ryder Cup team in any role 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 worrying about what we get out of it personally,” he said. “I just want the Ryder Cup trophy.”
John Daly remains one of the most popular golfers in the United States, 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 the Ryder Cup. Despite his reputation as golf’s “enfant terrible”—drinking beer from paper cups and chain-smoking during his first major appearance—his patriotic fervor has not gone unnoticed in the U.S.