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The 2025 Ryder Cup is all set to be held in Bethpage Black, New York, with Team USA aiming to win the title on their home soil. Team Europe took victory in the 2023 edition of the biennial tournament, winning 16.5-11.5 over USA.
While Europe will retain Luke Donald as their captain for the 2025 Ryder Cup, the role of captain for the US team is still wide open. There are several candidates that are possibly in the running to take captaincy for 2025.
Here are the top 5 candidates who can captain Team USA for the 2025 Ryder Cup:
5 candidates who can be the 2025 US Ryder Cup team captain
1) Tiger Woods
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Fans, experts, and golfers are rooting for Tiger Woods to take the captaincy for the 2025 US Team. The 15-time Major champion was in talks with the then-CEO of the PGA of America, Seth Waugh. Ahead of the 2024 Masters, Woods said (via SkySports):
"It's something that Seth [Waugh, chief executive of the PGA of America] and I are going to sit back and talk about it after this event [The Masters]."
However, recent reports have suggested that Woods might not be up for the role of captain amidst his duties on the PGA Tour Policy Board as well as his poor run of form.
2) Stewart Cink
Stewart Cink has also emerged as one of the top contenders to be the 2025 US team captain. Cink has plenty of Ryder Cup experience under his belt, playing in the tournament five times. He was also the vice-captain for the 2023 US Team, which was led by Zach Johnson.
Last year, Cink said that he was up for the challenge but would only take up the role with Tiger Woods' blessing. Speaking via Sports Illustrated, Cink said:
“I do want to be the captain and think I can be. But with all due respect to Tiger Woods, I think it’s up to him. I haven’t been told anything. And no one has mentioned one thing to me. But I know I can do it. And I know I would love to do it. Especially after being an assistant at the last Ryder Cup."
3) Steve Stricker
Steve Stricker already has one Ryder Cup win under his belt. He led the US team to victory in 2021 at the Whistling Straits. He has also served as a vice-captain four times for the team, including the latest 2023 edition.
Stricker would be a strong choice for the captaincy role considering his past experience.
4) Phil Mickelson
Phil Mickelson is loved by the crowds in New York, particularly Bethpage Black - the venue for the 2025 tournament. Apart from his popularity, Mickelson has appeared in a record-breaking 12 Ryder Cups, cumulating a record of 18-22-7. Mickelson was also the vice-captain for the 2021 edition.
While a great choice for captaincy, his inclusion in the LIV Golf Series has greatly reduced his chances of fulfilling that role.
5) Keegan Bradley
According to the latest report from Sports Illustrated, Keegan Bradley is slated to be the next Ryder Cup captain for the US team. Bradley has played in the tournament twice in the past, once as a captain pick and once through qualification.
In a controversial decision, Bradley was left off the US team in 2023. However, his goal of making the team once again might just come true if he was to be picked as captain for 2025.
