“He’d be a great home captain” – Ryder Cup legend backs Tiger Woods for 2025 US Team captaincy
The 2025 Ryder Cup will be held at Bethpage Black, New York in September. Luke Donald, captain of the European team, recently backed Tiger Woods to be Team USA’s pick for captain at the 2025 Ryder Cup.
Donald announced Thomas Bjorn and Eduardo Molinari as Europe’s vice-captains, following Bjorn’s assist leading to their victory in 2018. Europe have a headstart on the Americans, who are yet to announce their captain and vice-captain.
Luke Donald, captain of Europe’s Ryder Cup team told reporters:
“They’re just picking their moment to announce Tiger. He’d be a great home captain for sure.”
Tiger Woods is a strong pick for captain due to his previous leadership experience. Woods led Team USA to victory at the 2019 Presidents Cup and was vice-captain at the 2018 Ryder Cup.
During the 2024 Masters pre-tournament press conference, Woods was asked about his run for captaincy. He didn’t deny the possibility and said that further discussion would be held off until after the Masters.
“We’re still talking about it. It’s something that Seth [PGA CEO] and I are going to sit back and talk about it after this event. I said I’m going to be busy for a couple weeks, so let me focus on getting through this week and hopefully getting another jacket, and then we can sit back and talk about it next week.”
Woods won the 2002 U.S. Open at Bethpage Black. Being the only player to shoot under par that week, Woods bears great knowledge of the course, making him a great asset to Team USA.
Zach Johnson, the 2023 USA Ryder Cup captain, said he was in constant touch with Woods during the tournament for advice and strategies. The team lacked harmony and conceded leading to their seventh consecutive loss in Europe.
Many expect a change in leadership after the team’s performance in the past year. Team USA has a fair advantage in the 2025 Ryder Cup as it will be played on their home grounds.
Over the last five editions of the tournament in Europe, the USA was dominated by the Europeans with 29.5 points against the USA’s 10.5 points in foursomes. However, the USA holds an advantage in home tournaments with 16.5 points to Europe’s 6.5.
Tiger Woods’ history at the Ryder Cup
Tiger Woods’ history at the Ryder Cup has been mediocre – 13 wins, 21 losses, and 3 ties.
The 15-time Major winner won the Ryder Cup once in 1999 in his eight appearances. Woods’ 2018 Ryder Cup appearance in France saw him lose all four of his matches.
Woods didn’t earn any points for the team until day two of his second appearance at the Ryder Cup in 1999. At that time, he had 12 PGA Tour wins and two Majors to his name.
Tiger Woods was a part of Team USA’s Ryder Cup Task Force in 2016. He played a key part in training the team, leading them to a victory after eight consecutive losses.
Tiger Wood’s stats at the Ryder Cup
- Years played: 1997, 1999, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2012, 2018
- Total matches played: 37
- Singles: 4 wins, 2 losses, 2 ties
- Foursomes: 4 wins, 9 losses, 1 tie
- Four-balls: 5 wins, 10 losses
