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As the U.S prepares for the Ryder Cup, which is set to take place in 2027, they will have a familiar face as the captain. Jim Furyk is returning as the U.S. captain for the matches in Ireland, according to the Associated Press.
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The Americans are looking to get their revenge on the European team that has beaten them in the last three decades, and the hope is that Furyk can lead them to victory. The Ryder Cup committee chose Furyk after Tiger Woods removed himself from competition following his arrest in March on suspicion of DUI.
Furyk was the 2018 captain in Paris in 2018, which was a 17 1/2-10 1/2 win from Europe. He would be the fourth U.S. captain to get a second chance, going back to 1979. Furyk seemed to redeem himself in 2024 when he led the U.S. to victory as the Presidents Cup captain, and he was a key voice as the assistant to U.S. captain Keegan Bradley from the last Ryder Cup.
It’s uncertain if the committee was seriously considering Woods before his incident, but after he said he was stepping away, they had to go in a different direction.
“I’m committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally,” Woods said in a statement.
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The PGA of America noted that they stood with Woods and his decision.
“The PGA of America stands in full support of Tiger Woods as he steps away to focus on his health and well-being,” the statement said. “We commend Tiger for prioritizing his long-term health and deeply respect the courage it takes to make such a personal decision.”
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