Former Open champion Stewart Cink was left without a response after interviewing for the Team USA captaincy ahead of the 45th Ryder Cup. He even found out that Keegan Bradley had secured the job through his wife at the 2024 Scottish Open. It comes after Bradley named a big mistake USA made at the tournament.

Just last week, Europe managed to fend off an exciting comeback from Team USA to secure a 15-13 victory and retain the Ryder Cup. The U.S. team made a valiant effort on the final day as Cameron Young, Justin Thomas, Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, and J.J. Spaun all emerged victorious in their matches.

Despite this, Europe held firm. Shane Lowry made the decisive putt to draw with Russell Henley, ensuring Europe became the first team to win away since their triumph at Medinah in 2012. Meanwhile, as speculation over who will lead USA in 2027 grows, Tiger Woods was snubbed as Brandel Chamblee named his pick. 

Bradley faced significant criticism for his decisions during the first two games, and doubts remain about his performance as captain, despite the spirited comeback resulting in a respectable scoreline. However, Cink believed he had the qualifications to lead the U.S. team, reports the Mirror US.

The 52 year old has participated in five Ryder Cups and boasts eight PGA Tour victories and a major title in his career. Cink’s name was associated with the captaincy when Tiger Woods declined the role, and he even had a phone interview with U.S. team manager John Wood. But two months later, Bradley was announced as the U.S. captain.

“I thought it went well, but I haven’t received one word since then,” Cink said on Thursday ahead of Furyk and Friends on the PGA Tour Championship. “Never got a call back that said we’re going in another direction. All I know is at the end of the conversation it sounded like, ‘Things looks pretty good for you.’ Never heard another word.”

Cink disclosed he was competing at the 2024 Scottish Open when his wife informed him that Bradley would be named captain for the 45th Ryder Cup instead of him. He felt let down and shocked, especially considering Bradley’s exceptional playing form.

“I was gutted. I thought I had a pretty good shot at it,” Cink declared. “It’s not a selfish thing, though; I want the team to be the best team it can be.

“I thought the PGA got themselves into a mess this year because Keegan was one of our top 12 players, and because he was captain, they kind of prevented him from playing. I don’t have any desire or designs to think that I will be on the next team. So, we can remove that topic right away. But I’m not that far removed from playing out there every week and the majors and even winning tournaments.”

Despite the setback, Cink is eager for the chance to be named U.S. captain and end his country’s Ryder Cup losing streak when the tournament moves to Adare Manor in Ireland in 2027. “Heck yeah, I’m interested in being the Ryder Cup captain. I would love to.

“I’d love to represent the United States and the players, take some of the experience that I’ve got and apply it, and hopefully try to get this thing turned around. It feels like the Ryder Cup has been like a European party for about 15 years now or more. I’d like to change that.”

He further stated: “Europe is leaving no stone unturned when it comes to getting ready for this thing with partnerships, with course setup, with game plans, with choices for assistant captains. I think we need to do a little more of what they’re doing. I don’t know what that is yet, but we have to do some things differently. I would just love a shot at it and get in there and re-work some of the stuff and figure out what is working for them.”

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