In the wake of Team USA’s disappointing Ryder Cup defeat in New York, Tiger Woods is now being discussed as a potential solution to their ongoing problems.
The Americans have now lost two in a row, and their prospects for Adare Manor in 2027 are not looking any brighter. It has been three decades since Team USA last won on European soil.
Keegan Bradley’s time as captain included several decisions that did not work out, making it unlikely he will return to the role. The man expected to take over? None other than the greatest player of all time, Tiger Woods.
The golf legend did not have much success as a player in the Ryder Cup, but some believe he could be the answer for Team USA moving forward. He turned down the job for 2025, but Rex Hoggard believes there are two reasons why he might accept it for 2027.
Why Tiger Woods is expected to take over as Ryder Cup captain in 2027
Nobody really knows why Woods turned down the job last time. Johnson Wagner wondered if it was about protecting his reputation. He only won one Ryder Cup as a player, and another loss, this time as captain, could have added another negative mark to his legacy.
But Hoggard sees it differently. He thinks Woods was simply too caught up in the PGA Tour and LIV Golf negotiations to give the role the attention it deserved.
Now, with the Tour in a stronger position after a successful 2025 season, Hoggard believes Woods will be more open to taking on the challenge.
Speaking on the Golf Channel Podcast with Rex & Lav, he said: “It’s Tiger Woods’ decision. It’s his job if he wants it. So was this job, this time around. This time he dragged his feet a bit so we ended up with Keegan Bradley. I would lean towards Tiger taking it next time around for a couple of different reasons.
“He didn’t do it this time because he is waist-deep, shoulder-deep or maybe neck-deep in what is going in the business of the PGA Tour, between the ongoing negotiations with the PIF and LIV Golf, between what Brian Rolapp wants to do with the PGA Tour.
“We all know Tiger Woods is obsessive when it comes to things that he wants to focus on. He is hyper-focused. And at that particular moment in time he felt like he could not dedicate the time needed to both the PGA Tour and being a captain.
“My guess is that by the time they approach him to do it again, it will probably be a different scenario. That the Tour is in a different position, I think at least in the short term we have all moved on that there is going to be a deal with the PIF, and Brian Rolapp seems to be steering the ship in the direction he wants it.
“So now Tiger Woods has some disposable time and has the interest. I think he will take the job for that reason and also the billionaire behind getting the Ryder Cup to Adare Manor in Ireland is JP McManus and Tiger Woods is very close to JP.”
Rex Hoggard floats alternative captaincy option if Tiger Woods turns down Ryder Cup again
If Tiger decides not to take the captaincy again, Hoggard has another name in mind.
“I think [Brant] Snedeker is probably the best Plan B, because you will also be able to see how he handles this next cycle as the US Presidents Cup captain.
“It gives you an idea of his leadership style. So Tiger one, and Brandt a distant two.”
Snedeker made his debut as a vice-captain in 2025 under Keegan Bradley. As a player, he posted a 4-2-0 record at the Ryder Cup and was unbeaten at Hazeltine in 2016.
He is set to lead the US team at the 2026 Presidents Cup at Medinah, which could help provide some much-needed stability for Team USA.
Having one person oversee both events might build the consistency that has helped Europe dominate over recent years.
If America wants to replicate Europe’s formula for success, Snedeker seems like a logical choice.