The entire Ryder Cup Committee called Johnson asking him to become the next American captain.
Johnson smiled broadly Monday, saying that he had a good day skiing. I wore some red pants and a blue top, and I was able to hit the white powder.
Johnson was the 30th U.S. captain when the gold Ryder Cup trophy was placed next to him at PGA of America headquarters. His task is to win the Ryder Cup abroad, something that six of his predecessor captains failed to do.
Marco Simone, Italy hosts the 2023 matches.
Johnson is used to defeating the odds.
As a “normal” guy from Cedar Rapids in Iowa, he didn’t go to a top-ranked college program. In an era before cannons, he was a pea shooter. Despite only being on one winning team, he won 12 times on PGA Tour and captured majors at Augusta National & St. Andrews. He also had a winning record (8-7-2) in Ryder Cup.
“I love competing and going over there. I enjoy stretching myself. I love being uncomfortable,” Johnson said. It will be difficult. It’s a wonderful opportunity to give these guys a chance to be themselves, and to play with freedom. That’s how I plan to approach it.
The expectation of the Americans winning on European soil, for the first time since 1993 at The Belfry, will be higher than ever. They just came off the largest European blowout, a 19-9 victory at Whistling Straits.
Johnson was not going to change anything.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, which left an uncertain PGA Tour schedule, the U.S. lost eight automatic qualifiers and four captain’s picks and was replaced by six. The matches were eventually postponed for one year.
Johnson stated that the system will remain the same for 2023, with six qualifiers and six picks. Players on the PGA Tour can only earn points at majors, The Players Championship, and a World Golf Championships event. The Ryder Cup year is the next. There will be points for all tournaments (except those on opposite-field), with the majors receiving one-and-a half more points (double for winners).
Steve Stricker, in accordance with the Ryder Cup Task Force guidelines of 2014, is now the captain and one of the assistants.
Johnson dodged any questions about Phil Mickelson, a potential assistant.
Mickelson’s inflammatory comments about the Saudis funding a rival league and his admission that he was willing work with them to manipulate the PGA Tour have damaged his reputation.
Four corporate sponsors have ended their partnerships with Mickelson. Callaway Golf however, has stated that it is putting its relationship on hold.
Mickelson was considered a strong candidate to be Bethpage Black’s captain in 2025. Future captains usually serve as assistant captains, like Mickelson in Wisconsin last autumn.
Johnson stated, “Given the current situation, I don’t know what lies ahead in terms of my vice captains or who is on this team.”
He gave the exact same answer three times Mickelson was brought up or the rumored Saudi League.
He said, “The unknowns just are that.”
He has a lot of American talent and a team desperate to stop losing at home for three decades. Sixteen Ryder Cup rookies were among the seven players on the previous team. Collin Morikawa was one of them, having won two majors and before he played in his first Ryder Cup.
Johnson stated, “All I know about the American depth in golfers right now”
Johnson stated that having six captain’s choices will enable him to find the right players for the team and Marco Simone. Two-day practice at Whistling Straits was held by the Americans before the final matches. It will not be as simple for Italy.
He said that logistics were not ideal. “The idea of getting there early is something I will prioritize. It will look, I’m not sure.”
