Jim Fuyk is set to lead the United States Ryder Cup team for a second time, taking command for the 2027 matches in Ireland after Tiger Woods withdrew from consideration following his March arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence.
The PGA of America had set a soft deadline of late March for Woods to decide on the captaincy. When Woods stepped away, citing a need to seek treatment and focus on his health, the organization pivoted to its prepared backup plan and tapped Fuyk, who previously captained the American side at the 2018 matches in Paris.
Fuyk becomes the fourth US captain since 1979, the start of the modern Ryder Cup era, to earn a second stint. He joins Davis Love III, Tom Watson, and Jack Nicklaus in that exclusive group.
The selection represents a significant challenge for Fuyk. The Americans have not won a Ryder Cup on European soil since 1993, and they will face a formidable opponent. Europe has claimed 11 of the last 15 matches dating to 1995, building on a dominant stretch that has seen the continent win the last two competitions.
At Bethpage Black last year, Europe constructed a commanding seven-point lead after two days before holding on for victory. Luke Donald, the European captain, will return to lead the team again in Ireland, seeking to become the first captain to win three consecutive matches since the competition's modern format began.
Fuyk's first captaincy did not yield success. At Le Golf National in 2018, the European team won 17 1/2 to 10 1/2. The American captaincy picks struggled significantly, going 2-10-0 overall, and controversy erupted when Patrick Reed blamed his benching and the partnership decisions made by Fuyk.
However, Fuyk has demonstrated leadership credentials since then. He guided the United States to victory as Presidents Cup captain in 2024 and served as an assistant to Keegan Bradley during last year's Ryder Cup, where he earned a reputation as a steady voice on the team.
The road ahead for Fuyk at Adare Manor will demand more than redemption for 2018. Reversing America's fortunes against a European squad operating at peak performance presents one of golf's steepest climbing assignments.
Author James Rodriguez: "Fuyk's second chance comes with real pressure, but at least the PGA had a plan B ready when Woods bowed out."
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