A few days ago, Paul McGinley set a date for Luke Donald‘s decision, and a few hours later, Tiger Woods confirmed he hadn’t received a call to be the American captain at Adare Manor. The Ryder is always present even though there are more than 18 months until it takes place.
The big question about who will lead the United States in the 2027 Ryder Cup remains in the air, but at least there seems to be a timeline for the selection. The PGA of America has announced that it will choose its next captain during the first quarter of 2026, as confirmed by a spokesperson to Golf Channel. Therefore, it won’t be an imminent announcement nor will it happen this year, but it won’t be delayed beyond a few months.
The move would represent a partial return to tradition, as the organisation used to reveal the name in the spring of the year before the match. However, Keegan Bradley was appointed in July 2024 for the Bethpage Black edition.
Bradley, present this week at the Hero World Challenge, acknowledged that he would love to repeat as captain despite the home defeat. However, he also made it clear who has absolute priority if he decides to step up: Tiger Woods.
“If Tiger wants to do it, he will. He’s a hero to everyone and someone anyone would want to play for,” he stated. “Of course, I’d like to avenge the defeat, but it’s not in my hands.”
Woods, directly asked on Tuesday about a possible approach from the PGA of America, responded with laughter: “No one has asked me”. The organisation also didn’t confirm if it plans to contact him. The 15-time major winner, currently recovering from his seventh back surgery, has already served as vice-captain in 2016 and captain of the US team in the 2019 Presidents Cup.
The announcement is approaching, the shortlist of candidates is narrowing, and Woods’ figure continues to cast a huge shadow. The countdown to Adare Manor 2027 has already begun. However, there’s always room for surprise… Who would have thought Keegan Bradley would be chosen as captain?
