Will Tiger Woods be the next Ryder Cup captain? Since Zach Johnson’s men left Rome with empty hearts and empty pockets, the internet has been rife with debate surrounding the next Ryder Cup captain. Now, a PGA Tour legend’s comment signals a much-desired fan wish to come true.
The last time the USA had a back-to-back Ryder Cup captain was in 1947 and 1949. Ben Hogan helmed the USA team to two consecutive victories. However, the USA’s poor performance at this year’s Ryder Cup and their history of changing the incumbent captain mean Zach Johnson’s job is on the line. With Phil Mickelson’s LIV decision effectively putting him out of the equation, the road for Tiger Woods captaincy is clear. But is Woods willing to take it?
PGA Tour legend backs Tiger Woods for the next Ryder Cup captain
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Woods, according to the legendary PGA Tour pro, who’s seen victory 21 times on the tour, Davis Love III, is obviously a logical choice for the next Ryder Cup captain. However, the six-time Ryder Cup star is doubtful whether Woods is ready to grab it.
“I think if he wants—obviously, Tiger’s into a lot of stuff right now, but it’s kind of his call, I would say,” NBC quoted the 21-time PGA Tour winner as saying. “I hate to put pressure on him, but it’s kind of his call. Obviously, with some guys out, he’s the next logical choice.”
Love, incidentally, was one of the most valued members of Zach Johnson’s squad this year. This was his fourth outing as a vice captain in the Ryder Cup. Earlier, he was the captain of the USA team twice: in the famed Miracle in Medinah in 2012 and at the Hazeltine in 2016.
Woods as a player has a mixed history at the Ryder Cup, winning 13 matches, losing 21, and halving 3 matches. But Woods has been involved in overhauling the US Ryder Cup process since their 2014 defeat. The 82-time PGA Tour winner has also served as a vice captain for the Presidents Cup in 2018 and as a captain in 2019. But, along with the question of his Ryder Cup captaincy, comes the question of where Woods is now and when he will be back on the greens.
When will Woods return to the greens?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Woods has been absent from the greens since withdrawing midway through the Masters earlier in April this year. The former World No. 1 has only played two tournaments this year, tying for the 47 spot at his last completed outing at the Genesis Invitational.
Recovering from an ankle surgery, the 47-year-old was last seen caddying for his son at the Notah Bogey III Junior Championship at Mission Inn, Florida. No fixed date has yet been given for his return. But fans certainly hope to see him at this year’s PNC Championship, teeing up with his son.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Woods has fond memories of Bethpage Black. He won the 2002 U.S. Open there, but the Ryder Cup captaincy is a demanding job. With injuries plaguing his career lately, it remains to be seen if the 15x Major Winner is willing to take another dagger hanging from his neck.
Watch this story: Is Tiger Woods making a comeback? Latest Charlie Woods stride reveals a massive update