John Daly hopes for a late Ryder Cup role in 2027 and praises Tiger Woods as a potential US team captain.
In an exclusive interview with Hard Rock Bet, John Daly shared his aspirations to be part of the 2027 Ryder Cup team for the United States. Daly remains the only major champion since the Ryder Cup’s inception in 1927 who has never participated in the event. At 59, he still sees a slim chance of contributing as a captain or vice-captain, though he admits the likelihood of being named captain at Adare Manor in Ireland is low.
Tiger Woods as Captain – Daly’s Ideal Scenario
“I’d love to be captain one day, but that’s probably never going to happen,” Daly said. Still, he continued to dream, stating he could easily envision Tiger Woods leading the team. Daly added that he would love to be part of the squad in any capacity. “Tiger would be an incredible captain,” he said. “I’d love to be a vice-captain or just part of the team somehow.”
While Daly’s bid to be a vice-captain might seem far-fetched, his presence could bring a more relaxed and spirited vibe to Team USA. “I’d love to bring in my ideas and hopefully help the guys,” Daly explained. “It would be a dream come true, something I’ve wanted ever since I won the PGA Championship in 1991.” He also mentioned feeling he should have been selected for the team twice in the past, but “it just didn’t happen.”
Patriotism Drives Daly’s Ambition
For Daly, being named to the Ryder Cup team in any form 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 the Ryder Cup trophy.”
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. 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 from paper cups and chain-smoking during his first major—his patriotic spirit has not gone unnoticed in the U.S.