John Daly hopes for a late Ryder Cup 2027 role and praises Tiger Woods as a potential U.S. team captain.
In an exclusive interview with Hard Rock Bet, John Daly shared his aspirations of being part of the U.S. Ryder Cup team in 2027. Despite being a two-time major champion, Daly is the only major winner since the Ryder Cup’s inception in 1927 to have never participated in the event. At 59, he acknowledges that his chances of being named captain at Adare Manor in Ireland are slim, but he remains hopeful about contributing 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 admitted. Still, he expressed enthusiasm about the idea of Tiger Woods leading the team. “Tiger would be an incredible captain,” Daly said. “I’d love to be a co-captain or just be part of the team in any way.”
While the idea of a Tiger-Daly leadership duo might seem far-fetched, it could bring a relaxed and spirited energy to the U.S. squad. Daly added, “I’d love to bring in my ideas and hopefully help the guys. It’s something I’ve dreamed of since winning the PGA Championship in 1991.” He also noted that he felt he should have been selected for the team twice, but “it just didn’t happen.”
Patriotism and Team Spirit Drive Daly
For Daly, any role with the Ryder Cup team would be a meaningful consolation, especially given his strong patriotic values. “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 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. Despite his success, he remains the only major winner never to play in a Ryder Cup. Nicknamed “Long John,” Daly is as famous for his on-course antics—like drinking beer and chain-smoking during tournaments—as he is for his patriotism and passion for the game.