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 to have never participated in the event. At 59, Daly 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 ideal scenario
“I’d love to be captain one day, but I know it probably won’t happen,” Daly admitted. Still, he expressed enthusiasm about Tiger Woods leading the team. “Tiger would be an incredible captain,” he said. Daly added that he would gladly serve as a vice-captain or in any supporting role. “I’d love to be part of the team in any way,” he continued.
While the idea of a Tiger-Daly leadership duo might seem far-fetched, Daly believes his presence could bring a more relaxed and spirited atmosphere 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 since winning the PGA Championship in 1991.” Daly also mentioned 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 ambition
For Daly, any role with the Ryder Cup team would be a meaningful consolation, especially given his deep patriotism. “I think our team needs to come together more like a family and fully stand behind the United States of America, instead of thinking about personal gain,” 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. 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 and chain-smoking during his major debut—his patriotic fervor has not gone unnoticed in the U.S.