Tiger welcomes ‘unanimous’ choice Stricker as Ryder Cup captain

Tiger Woods says everyone was in agreement that Steve Stricker was the right man to lead Team USA in the Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits in 2020.
Stricker, who has been a vice-captain for the last three editions of the biennial contest, was officially announced as the next captain at a press conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Wednesday.
The 51-year-old succeeds Jim Furyk, who will serve as his vice-captain next year, as the Americans look to hit back from their seven-point defeat against Thomas Bjorn’s European side at Le Golf National in 2018.
Our 2020 Captain🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/wGixQ3Spfj
— Ryder Cup USA (@RyderCupUSA) February 20, 2019
“In our sport, in this country, there is no greater honour than to captain the United States Ryder Cup team,” said Stricker. “I am humbled by both the opportunity at hand and the responsibility that comes with the position. I’d like to thank the PGA Ryder Cup committee for their belief in me.
“While we were disappointed with the result in Paris, I am confident the setback will fuel our preparations for what will take place at Whistling Straits.
“Europe’s talent will present a great challenge, but we will be focused on what we can accomplish together in 2020 in my home state, in front of a loyal legion of sports fans in Wisconsin. It’s going to be a memorable week.”
The PGA of America also confirmed that Stricker will name all four of his captain’s picks at the same time, rather than making use of the last-minute “hot-hand” pick on the eve of the contest, which had been in place since 2016.
.@TigerWoods chimes in on @SteveStricker's captaincy.#GoUSA pic.twitter.com/iPn3eJ0lfA
— Ryder Cup USA (@RyderCupUSA) February 20, 2019
Tiger Woods revealed that Stricker was an “overwhelming and unanimous” choice to succeed Furyk.
“He was the overwhelming choice by all of us on the committee,” said Woods ahead of this week’s WGC-Mexico Championship. “We felt it was his time, and he was deserving of the role. What he has done as a leader in both the Presidents Cup and the Ryder Cup has been tremendous.
“We just thought that with his leadership, and the way the guys follow him, we thought he was the best choice as captain for 2020. The players were also unanimous in wanting Stricks as their team leader, and we felt the same way on the committee.
“Everyone knows what a nice guy he is, but beneath that exterior is a real fieriness and competitiveness, and he’s also one of the most detail-orientated guys out there.
“He’ll be well prepared, and very understanding of the players and great at communicating with them. He’ll get their opinions, but he will put his foot down when he has to. That’s an important part of the job.”
Latest
-
Ryder Cup
New Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald motivated by ‘bitter’ memories of 2021 defeat
Stenson was stripped of the role for breaking his contract by joining the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series.
-
Ryder Cup
The task facing Luke Donald after replacing Henrik Stenson
Stenson was appointed on March 15 and said he was fully committed to a role before signing with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series.
-
Ryder Cup
Luke Donald named Europe’s Ryder Cup captain
Donald replaces Henrik Stenson after he was stripped of the role.
-
PGA Tour
Tony Finau claims second straight PGA Tour victory
The American won the 3M Open in his previous outing.
-
News
Henrik Stenson cushions Ryder Cup blow with £3.6m debut win in LIV Golf
The Swede was stripped of his role as Europe captain after joining the Saudi-backed breakaway tour.
-
News
Former Masters champion Bubba Watson becomes latest player to join LIV Golf
The left-hander is currently sidelined by a knee injury and is not expected to play until next season,
-
Ryder Cup
Luke Donald tipped to replace Henrik Stenson as Europe’s Ryder Cup captain
The Swede lost the job 127 days after his appointment following his decision to join the LIV Golf series.
-
News
Max Homa: Tiger Woods now understands the respect he commands from his peers
Homa has made no secret of his admiration for Woods.
-
Ryder Cup
Bernard Gallacher fears Greg Norman is not the man for compromise with LIV Golf
Players who have resigned from the PGA Tour to join LIV Golf will not be eligible for next year’s Ryder Cup.
-
LPGA Tour
Brooke Henderson takes two-shot lead into final round of Evian Championship
South Korea’s Ryu So-yeon climbed into outright second place on 15 under.