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 ambitions to be part of the U.S. Ryder Cup team in 2027. Daly remains the only Major champion who has never played in the Ryder Cup since its inception in 1927. At 59, he still sees a slim chance of contributing as a captain or vice-captain, though he admits it’s unlikely he’ll be chosen to lead the team at Adare Manor in Ireland.
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, expressing his support for Tiger Woods as a potential captain. Daly added that he could envision himself being part of the U.S. squad in some capacity. “Tiger would be an incredible captain,” he said. “I’d love to be a vice-captain or just somehow involved with the team.”
While Daly’s bid to become a vice-captain may seem far-fetched, many American fans would likely welcome a leadership duo of Woods and Daly. Daly believes his presence could help the team play more freely and confidently. “I’d love to bring in my ideas and hopefully help the guys,” he said. “It would be a dream come true—something I’ve wanted since winning the PGA Championship in 1991.” Daly also mentioned he felt he should have made the team twice in the past, but “it just didn’t happen.”
Patriotism and team spirit drive Daly’s hopes
For Daly, any role with the Ryder Cup team would be a meaningful consolation, especially as a proud American patriot. “I think our team just needs to come together more like a family and fully stand behind the United States of America, instead of thinking about what we personally get out of it,” he said. “I just want to win the Ryder Cup.”
John Daly remains one of the most beloved golfers in the United States. Known for his massive drives, he won two Major titles: the PGA Championship in 1991 and the Open Championship in 1995. Despite his success, Daly—nicknamed “Long John”—is still the only Major winner never to have played in a Ryder Cup. Often seen as golf