John Daly, twice a Major winner and one of the most well-known figures in the world of golf, is the only player to have won more than one major who has never played in a Ryder Cup. A most striking absence, especially considering that his two most important victories, at the PGA Championship in 1991 and the Open Championship in 1995, came precisely in Ryder Cup years.
At 59 years old, the charismatic player does not hide that he would have liked to be part of that tournament and still holds a dream linked to the 2027 edition, which will be held at Adare Manor: to play some role in the American team, even as a co-captain alongside Tiger Woods. In statements to Hard Rock Bet, Daly explained that his family roots in Ireland make that possibility even more special. “My ancestors are from Cork. I would love to be a captain one day, but that’s never going to happen. Still, Tiger would be an incredible captain. I would love to be a co-captain or just be part of the Ryder Cup in some way,” he said.
Daly also opened up about the thorn in his side for never having been selected. “I feel like I should have been on two teams, but it didn’t happen. I didn’t play well enough to get in. Still, being part of the Ryder Cup would be something I would love to do, even if it was just offering my perspective and helping the guys,” he added, recalling that this dream has accompanied him for almost 25 years.
Additionally, the Californian referred to the controversial behaviour of the crowd at the last Ryder Cup held at Bethpage Black, where the local fans were very tough on the European team, especially on Rory McIlroy. “The fans in New York are very loyal. They love United States. My respect to Rory because they practically hammered him and yet it didn’t affect him. He played very well and Europe did too,” Daly noted.
The ‘Wild Thing’ defended that this atmosphere is part of the sport. “When we go back to Europe it will surely be tough for us and our players will have to endure it. The Europeans did it in an exemplary manner. Rory was a true gentleman, kept winning and showed how to behave. This is sport, and that’s how it works.” Words that reopen the debate about the figure of Daly and his relationship with a Ryder Cup that he never got to play, but which remains one of his great unfulfilled dreams.
