Former golfer and current commentator Brandel Chamblee has overlooked Tiger Woods in his selection for Team USA’s next Ryder Cup captain for the 2027 event at Adare Manor.
The U.S. team suffered a defeat to Europe, with a score of 15-13, at Bethpage over the weekend, despite playing on home turf. In the immediate aftermatch, Bryson DeChambeau has teased a mystery announcement after his heartbreak.
Europe seemed poised for a significant victory until Keegan Bradley’s team managed to narrow the gap and avoid a crushing defeat, thanks in part to the overwhelming support from President Donald Trump, who reacted to Europe’s locker room taunt in four words.
The U.S. team also had the backing of a fervent New York crowd, although some of their taunts directed at European stars Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry crossed the line.
Bradley could potentially be named captain again in 2027 when the Ryder Cup travels to Ireland, but other candidates are already being considered for the position. Golf icon Woods, who has won 15 major titles and competed in eight Ryder Cups, is one of the most likely contenders.
The 49-year-old could assume a captaincy role similar to Bradley’s, not participating in the tournament as he recovers from Achilles surgery, with his return to professional golf not expected until next year.
Woods also declined the captaincy for the 2025 tournament. Chamblee, a former golf star himself, has now revealed his top choice for the U.S. Ryder Cup captaincy, favoring Justin Leonard over Woods.
“Their Team Cup is an event which is used to prepare for the Ryder Cup, to test captains, vice captains, players, pairings and begin a message to get the players ready to play in the Ryder Cup,” Chamblee said, as reported by Golf WRX.
“I don’t know if the Presidents Cup is anything close to that. If it were, how has Fred Couples never been named the Ryder Cup captain, for crying out loud? Tell me how.
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“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.”
He continued: “Justin Leonard to me in terms of emotional intelligence, humbleness, thoughtfulness, attention to detail. To me he is a budding Luke Donald or Paul McGinley and has an extraordinary record.
“I said how in the heck are you not the Ryder Cup captain. Look at the players we have picked and, no disrespect but Keegan Bradley is full of passion and everyone can rally round him. I get that. But he has played in just two Ryder Cups in his career.
“If you look at the last 10 Ryder Cup captains for the U.S. and they have played an average of five. A lot more experience. 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.”
