As expected, Team USA’s defeat in the recently concluded Ryder Cup has sparked intense debate about replacing Keegan Bradley as captain. Although no official decision has been made yet, it is the hot topic in the golf world.
The first option that came to mind for many was Tiger Woods. As is well known, the 15-time major winner was offered the captaincy at Bethpage Black, but declined to focus on his other commitments on the PGA Tour. Now, many see him as the natural choice to take the reins at Adare Manor in 2027.
Well-known Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee is not one of the latter.
Speaking on the popular Golf Channel show “Live From” after Team Europe’s victory in the Ryder Cup, Chamblee revealed two of his candidates to be the new American captain. To the surprise of many, Woods was not one of them.
“How has Fred Couples never been named the Ryder Cup captain, for crying out loud? Tell me how,” Chamblee said, according to GolfWRX.
“How has Justin Leonard never been named the Ryder Cup captain? Tell me the most important putt in the history of the Ryder Cup from the USA, and tell me it’s not his putt.”
Naturally, Chamblee was referring to Leonard’s 45-foot putt on the 17th hole at Brookline, which sealed the American comeback in 1999.
The golf commentator made it clear that, in his eyes, Leonard and Couples are more than up to the task.
“Justin Leonard to me in terms of emotional intelligence, humbleness, thoughtfulness, attention to detail,” Chamblee added. “To me he is a budding Luke Donald or Paul McGinley and has an extraordinary record … “
“… I look at Justin and again Fred Couples not being the Ryder Cup captain blows my mind. Justin Leonard should be the Ryder Cup captain next go around if it’s not Fred Couples.”
Leonard played in three editions of the Ryder Cup, finishing on the winning side twice (1999, 2008). He also participated in five editions of the Presidents Cup, with three wins and one tie. However, he has never been called upon to captain Team USA in either event.
His PGA Tour career included 12 victories, with the 1997 Open Championship as the main highlight.
As for Couples, he played in five editions of the Ryder Cup, with two wins and one tie. Regarding the Presidents Cup, his participation as a player included four editions, with three wins.
Couples led Team USA to victory in all three of his Presidents Cup appearances as captain. Yet, he has never been tapped to helm the Ryder Cup squad.
Over the course of his playing career, Couples claimed 15 PGA Tour titles, highlighted by his triumph at the 1992 Masters Tournament.
More Golf: Scottie Scheffler Praises Bryson DeChambeau for Emotional Ryder Cup Boost
