Report: Bombshell (!) Tiger Woods announcement to be made on eve of The Open

Tiger Woods is reportedly set to be named the next captain of Team USA for the Ryder Cup, potentially before The Open Championship at Royal Troon. SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio host Jason Sobel has suggested that the announcement of Zach Johnson’s successor may be imminent.

Woods, a 15-time major champion and a golf icon, is the frontrunner to lead the U.S. team next September at Bethpage Black in New York. This follows a disappointing performance under Johnson’s captaincy, where Team USA was defeated 16½ to 11½ by Europe on their home turf last September. Johnson faced significant criticism for his decisions, including how he prepared the team and his strategic choices during the matches. Notably, many of his players took an extended break before the event, and he controversially benched key players Brooks Koepka, Jordan Spieth, and Justin Thomas in the opening session, where the team was swept 4-0.

Woods, 48, had previously distanced himself from the role, citing his commitments to negotiating deals with LIV Golf’s backers on behalf of the PGA Tour. However, he confirmed before the US PGA Championship at Valhalla that he had been given the necessary space by the PGA of America to decide on the captaincy.

Despite Europe already having Luke Donald appointed as captain, the PGA of America is not rushing to announce Johnson’s successor. Seth Waugh, the former PGA of America chief executive, indicated that there is ample time to make a decision, noting that Donald was named a year out and led Europe to a successful performance. Waugh has since stepped down, and the search for his replacement is underway.

Woods’ Ryder Cup experience is extensive but mixed. He has made eight appearances as a player from 1997 to 2018, winning only once in 1999, and has a record of 13 wins, 21 losses, and three halved matches. He served as a vice-captain at Hazeltine in 2016 when Davis Love III’s team defeated Europe 17-11. Woods was expected to be a vice-captain in 2018 but played after receiving a wildcard pick. He missed the 2021 Ryder Cup due to injuries from a car crash but supported the team remotely last September.

While Woods is the leading candidate, there are other potential contenders for the captaincy. Stewart Cink, a former Open champion, has played in five Ryder Cups and won once in 2008. Matt Kuchar, 46, has been a solid performer on four Ryder Cup teams and served as a vice-captain in 2018. Fred Couples, who has played in five Ryder Cups and has previously captained the U.S. to Presidents Cup victories, is another experienced candidate. Lastly, Steve Stricker, who led Team USA to a dominant win at Whistling Straits, is a popular choice but has expressed reluctance to return to the role.

The announcement of Team USA’s next Ryder Cup captain remains highly anticipated, with Woods being the favored choice to lead the team to a potential victory at Bethpage Black next year.