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 never to have competed in the event. At 59, Daly acknowledged that his chances of being named captain at Adare Manor in Ireland are slim, but he still holds out hope for a role as captain or vice-captain.
Tiger Woods as Captain? Daly Thinks Big
“I’d love to be captain one day, but it’s probably never going to happen,” Daly admitted. Still, he went on to say he could easily envision Tiger Woods leading the team. “Tiger would be an incredible captain,” Daly said. “I’d love to be vice-captain or just part of the team in any way.”
While Daly’s candidacy for a leadership role may seem far-fetched, his presence could bring a relaxed and spirited vibe to the U.S. squad. “I’d love to bring my ideas and hopefully help the guys,” he added. “It would be a dream come true, something I’ve wanted since winning the PGA Championship in 1991.” Daly also expressed that he felt he should have been selected for the team twice in the past, but “it just didn’t happen.”
Patriotism Fuels Daly’s Ryder Cup Dream
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 support the United States of America, instead of thinking about what we personally get out of it,” he said. “I just want the Ryder Cup trophy.”
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. Nicknamed “Long John,” Daly is still the only major winner never to have played in a Ryder Cup. Despite his reputation as golf’s “enfant terrible”—drinking beer and chain-smoking during his first major—his patriotic fervor has not gone unnoticed in the U.S.