Attitude problems. John Daly may have attributed this to some of his snubs over the years. But ahead of the Presidents Cup, many in the golf community couldn’t help but call out Team USA captain Jim Furyk for his attitude. Whether or not that was a catalyst that started a domino effect, it sure has led to Daly’s heightened interest in achieving something he never has.

Last week, before players headed to the Royal Montreal Golf Club, journalist Adam Schupak had a conversation with Furyk, discussing Team USA’s dominance in the event. However, when he said, “Nothing personal, but the competition really needs an International Team victory to energize the matches,” it triggered Furyk. “Really? You’re American. I do actually take offense at that. I don’t hate you but it’s a pretty sh*tty thing to say.” 

In Schupak’s defense, since its inception in 1994, the biennial event has seen the International Team take victory only once (1998). However, Jim Furyk doubled down: “It’s not like I’m killing you right now, but f**k you… You can quote me on that.” As a result, there have been many who have taken the captain’s side in this, but there are others who didn’t take too well to it. Maybe this is part of the reason why, a week later, John Daly joined the discourse to become captain one day.

Despite having played professional golf for over three decades, John Daly has never played in either the Presidents Cup not the Ryder Cup, let alone captain a team. But he did express his desire to assume that position in the future, though. After all, golf fans never shy away from telling the world just how much they love John Daly’s ‘bad boy’ persona. So, when PGA Memes suggested a potential captaincy, the 58-year-old joined in on the fun.

Featuring a picture of the golfer smoking, the post read, “Staring a petition to have John Daly Captain Team USA.” The two-time major champion reposted it on his Instagram Story, writing, “C’Mon 👊🏻,” expressing his enthusiasm. Subsequently, Full Send Golf posted the same meme as well, and Daly reposted it again. This time, he wrote, “Let’s start a movement boys…. 👊🏻” While it may seem like something that can happen – and as much as his fans would love for it to materialize – it’s not straightforward. Even Daly’s addressed this previously.

In a 2020 appearance on GOLF’s Subpar podcast, when asked why he never made it to the important team events, Daly said it may be because of his attitude problems. “Probably attitude. Probably some of the things that I did off the course. And some of the things that I didn’t do that I was accused of doing. And there was a lot that I did that I really did,” he surmised. From getting in a scuffle with Jeff Roth’s father to missing tee-off times, not signing his scorecards, and playing without a shirt or shoes. John Daly has done it all.

As for his comments about his attitude, they related to his exclusion from the Ryder Cup team. This has long been a topic of debate, particularly given Daly’s reputation as golf’s rebel star who won the Open Championship sporting his signature mullet. Reflecting on the Ryder Cup snubs that hurt him the most, he said, “Those are the two years that I know I really, really could’ve helped the US,” referencing 1991, when he won the PGA Championship and 2004, which were, according to Daly, his best years.

Moving forward, many might not know, but Daly has quite the dreams for what he will do if he becomes a captain.

John Daly’s captaincy dreams guarantee fun

John Daly wishes to be the Ryder Cup captain someday. He believes the US team struggles with their gameplay because they are too uptight during the game. According to him, if he were the captain, he would bring a relaxed approach to the role, with zero to no rules. “Hopefully I would one day be a captain,” Daly said.

His vision for the team is to be able to enjoy the game. “All I know is my team. If I was a captain, we’d have a blast.” He wants players to feel comfortable and have fun, and he has even suggested that formal attire isn’t necessary. “You don’t want to wear a tie, don’t wear a tie. Have fun. It’s supposed to be fun.” Daly thinks that by loosening up, the team can rediscover their winning edge.

So, do you agree with Daly’s approach? What are your thoughts on his wishes to be the Team USA’s captain someday? Share your thoughts in the comments!