Tiger Woods announcement teased as golf icon gets backing from unlikely source
The buzz surrounding Tiger Woods’ potential role as the Team USA captain for the 2025 Ryder Cup continues to gain momentum, with former Scottish golfer Bernard Gallacher adding his endorsement to the mix.
Despite never having led his country in this prestigious competition, Woods is increasingly viewed as the frontrunner to helm the team next year. His illustrious Ryder Cup history boasts eight appearances as a player and a vice-captaincy role in 2016.
Speculation about Woods’ potential appointment intensified when he expressed optimism about the prospect during this month’s Masters tournament. Adding weight to the growing support, three-time European team captain Gallacher has thrown his support behind Woods’ candidacy.
In an interview with Bunkered, Gallacher, who himself has participated in eight Ryder Cups, expressed confidence in Woods’ suitability for the role. He stated, “They’re just waiting for the right moment to announce Tiger. Tiger is a special case. They want him to lead the team at Bethpage. They need a redemption after their poor performance in Rome. He would be an excellent captain because players from his generation would be motivated to perform well for Tiger.”
Gallacher highlighted the commercial benefits of appointing Woods as captain, emphasizing his global appeal as a sports icon. “Commercially, it would maintain his brand presence. Being a Ryder Cup captain, especially when he’s not competing as frequently, would ensure his brand remains relevant. His new clothing line would also benefit from the exposure,” he noted.
However, Gallacher acknowledged the possibility of Woods committing to a rare four-year stint, spanning two events, might be unlikely. “He would undoubtedly be an excellent captain for a home event. But the challenge arises if he wins in New York; he might opt out of captaining in Ireland to avoid the risk of losing after a victory,” he remarked.
When asked about the speculation surrounding his captaincy during his 24th appearance at Augusta, Woods remained non-committal but hinted at ongoing discussions post-tournament. “We’re still deliberating on it. Seth [Waugh, the PGA of America chief executive] and I will discuss it further after this event. I have a busy schedule for the next couple of weeks, so let me focus on this week and hopefully securing another green jacket, then we can revisit the topic next week,” he remarked.
