The United States are still licking their wounds after a humiliating defeat at the Ryder Cup in Rome, but Tiger Woods could be the man to turn their fortunes around in two years’ time.
Tiger Woods is set to become the next United States captain at the Ryder Cup after Zach Johnson’s team beat Rome 16.5-11.5 last weekend. That’s according to Davis Love III, who believes the 15-time major champion is ready to take the next step in his illustrious career.
The investigation is underway across the Atlantic after the Americans were pushed aside by their hosts during Friday morning’s foursome at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, a shot they never could have recover.
Love captained the US Ryder Cup team twice in 2012 and 2016, but now believes the job belongs to Woods, 47, if he wants it.
“We need to call Tiger Woods and ask him,” Love told NBC at PGA Tour Champions Furyk & Friends on Thursday. “I think if he wants to, Tiger is obviously interested in a lot of things right now, but it’s his decision, I can say that. I hate to pressure him, but it’s his decision. Obviously, with some people going out, that’s the next logical choice.”
Veteran star Phil Mickelson has appeared in more Ryder Cups than any other American player with 12 appearances and has long been tipped to be a future captain. But the 53-year-old has cut ties by joining the Saudi Arabia-sponsored LIV Golf Tour and also faces allegations that he tried to bet on the 2012 Ryder Cup – a statement which he denies.
Due to injury, Woods did not participate in last week’s event in Rome, either as a player or as captain, but he has appeared in eight Ryder Cups, winning 13 matches, losing 21 and drawing three. He was vice-captain at the 2016 Ryder Cup at Hazeltine in 2016, but while Love wants his former right-hand man to take on the full role at Bethpage Black in 2025, he’s not sure whether Woods wants to get the commitment. that conclusion or not. that’s relevant.
Love said:
“I remember the moment Tiger and Phil looked at me doing this and said, ‘Damn, I don’t know if we want to put this much time and effort into this.’ It takes a lot of effort. Hopefully we can talk to [Woods] about this.
Woods was not directly involved in the United States’ record 19-9 victory over Europe at Whistling Straits in 2021, but encouraged the team with a series of text messages.
In a particularly memorable message sent as Steve Stricker’s team cruised to victory on Sunday, Woods wrote:
“Now step on their necks.”
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