John Daly says he’d love to captain a US Ryder Cup team, even if he knows it will never happen

As the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor approaches, questions are already being raised about who will lead the US team in Ireland. While no official names have been announced, one of golf’s most colorful figures has made it clear he would happily take the job, even if he doubts it will ever come his way.

John Daly, two-time champion and one of the game’s most recognizable personalities, recently admitted that captaining an American Ryder Cup team has long been a dream of his. However, reality has tempered that hope.“That will never happen,” Daly said bluntly in an interview with Hard Rock Bet.

Despite that honesty, the desire is genuine. Daly burst onto the scene with his shocking victory at the 1991 PGA Championship and later added the 1995 Open Championship at St. Andrews. Along the way, his larger-than-life style and unfiltered approach made him a fan favorite, even if controversy sometimes ensued.

One surprising omission from his resume: Daly has never played in a Ryder Cup.

That absence sticks with him. “I feel like I should have been on two teams, but it just didn’t happen,” Daly said. “I didn’t play well enough so I didn’t get in. But being part of the Ryder Cup would be something I’d like to do – whether it’s co-captain or just helping in any way I can.”

Daly even acknowledged the poetic symmetry of captaining a Ryder Cup in Ireland, noting that his ancestors are from Cork. Still, he believes Tiger Woods is the obvious and best choice to lead the Americans in 2027.

“Tiger would be an incredible captain,” Daly said. “I would love to be co-captain or just be a part of it in some way.”

If he were ever given the honour, Daly believes his biggest contribution would be emphasizing national pride – something he believes European teams have mastered.

“I play for the flag of the United States,” he said. “That’s what I want our guys to focus on, like the European teams do. They become a family. They practice together, they believe in it and they enjoy it. For me it’s not about gifts or perks. I just want that Ryder Cup trophy.”

Daly also reflected on the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, where the unruly New York crowd became a major storyline as Europe rolled to victory. While some criticized the fans, Daly saw passion rather than excess.

“New York fans are loyal. They love the USA,” he said. “They backed our boys like no other. Rory McIlroy did a great job – it didn’t bother him, and Europe played incredibly.”

Still, Daly issued a warning ahead of 2027.

“The favor will be returned,” he said. “And it won’t be so good for us in Europe.”

Whether John Daly ever becomes Ryder Cup captain or not, his passion for the event – ​​and for representing the United States – remains as strong as ever.