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 opened up about his dream of joining the U.S. Ryder Cup team in 2027. Despite being a two-time major champion, Daly remains the only major winner never to have played in the Ryder Cup since its inception in 1927. At 59, Daly admitted that his chances of being named captain at Adare Manor in Ireland are slim, but he still holds hope for a role within the team.
Tiger Woods as Ryder Cup Captain?
“I’d love to be captain one day, but that’s probably never going to happen,” Daly said. Still, he expressed enthusiasm about seeing Tiger Woods take the helm. “Tiger would be an incredible captain,” Daly added. “I’d love to be a vice captain or just be part of the team in any way.”
While Daly’s candidacy as vice captain may seem unlikely, 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 said. “It would be a dream come true, something I’ve wanted ever since I won the PGA Championship in 1991.” Daly also shared his belief that he should have been selected for the team twice in the past, but “it just didn’t happen.”
Patriotism Drives Daly’s Ryder Cup Ambitions
Daly’s desire to be involved stems from his deep patriotism. “Our team needs to come together more like a family and fully support 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.”
Known for his long drives and colorful personality, Daly remains one of America’s most beloved golfers. 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”—famously drinking beer and chain-smoking during his debut major—his patriotic fervor continues to resonate with fans across the U.S.