Rory McIlroy on Being 2027 Ryder Cup Captain: ‘I’ve Contemplated It’

Rory McIlroy has been thinking about being the European Captain for the 2027 Ryder Cup team, and he already has his answer:

“No.”

McIlroy has been one of the most important pieces of the European Ryder Cup side for nearly a decade. An unofficial captain of the players, McIlroy has had some of the most legendary matchups in history, especially during Sunday Singles. The most legendary was his 2016 match against Patrick Reed.

Credit: The Telegraph

However, McIlroy is not convinced 2027 will be the right time. More than likely, he will still be at the top of his game, and being a Captain-Player does not seem like it is all that appealing to him.

According to McIlroy, dividing responsibilities between being a Captain and a Player is simply too much, and leading the team as a whole could cost him valuable time to prepare:

“I’ve contemplated it for Adare and no… If you want to be the best captain you can be you can’t play.”

It has been done before at the Ryder Cup. Ben Hogan was twice a Player-Captain and managed to lead the Americans to victory both times.

Additionally, American Captain in 2025 Keegan Bradley said he plans to automatically qualify for the team so he can be a Player-Captain. He also said he would not choose himself:

“I want to play on the team. I feel like I’m still in the prime of my career and can make this team.” But he won’t be a captain’s pick: “I will either make the team on points or not pick myself.”

Next year’s Ryder Cup will take place at Bethpage Black in New York. The Europeans currently hold the cup.

Cover Image via The Independent