It’s been an open secret for a long time, but now it’s official: Zach Johnson was named captain of the USA for the 2023 Ryder Cup on Monday at the PGA of American headquarters in Palm Beach Garden, where the PGA Tour hosted the Honda Classic. At the continental competition of the world’s best golfers, the new team captain will be aiming to defend the title and win for the first time on European soil at Marco Simone Golf Club in Italy.
Zach Johnson captains USA
“Taking over as captain and leading the United States Ryder Cup team overseas – after what we accomplished at Whistling Straits last year – is simply the greatest honour of my professional career,” said Zach Johnson, who won the 2007 Masters and 2015 Open Championship, and has been a member of the USA team at the Ryder Cup five times. However, the 46-year-old has a big task ahead of him, as the last time the American team flew home victorious was in 1993. Back then, the USA won 15-13 against Europe in The Belfry. “As exciting as this is for my family and myself, it’s also sobering to understand the magnitude of our challenge in Rome because we haven’t won away from home in three decades,” Johnson knows of his task. “I’m just looking forward to leading these guys.”
Your 2023 U.S. Ryder Cup Captain 🏆
— Ryder Cup USA (@RyderCupUSA) February 28, 2022
Ciao, @ZachJohnsonPGA pic.twitter.com/zunUaJMR0N
Ryder Cup 2023 in Italy
Johnson takes over from Steve Stricker, who led his team to a record victory on home soil last year. Like his predecessor, the new captain will have six captain’s picks at his disposal next year, while the other half of the team will qualify via the points list. Who will take over the captaincy of the Europeans has not yet been decided. Lee Westwood, Luke Donald or Henrik Stenson are considered favourites. The Ryder Cup 2023, the 44th edition of the team competition, will be played from 29 September to 1 October at the Marco Simone Golf Club in Italy.