It's not likely to become official until a PGA press conference set for next Monday, February 28, but Cedar Rapids native and 2007 Masters champion Zach Johnson has reportedly been tapped as captain of the United States Ryder Cup team.

Multiple sources confirm the selection

Both KWWL and ESPN have filed reports saying that anonymous sources confirmed (anonymous because the announcement was not yet official) Johnson's hiring. With his previous involvement as an assistant in the last two Ryder Cup matches and five as a player, the move to promote Johnson to captain comes as the team leans more toward those with previous experience in the biennial event to take over leadership roles.

The next Ryder cup is 2023

The Ryder Cup takes place every two years, alternating locations between the U.S. and Europe. In 2021, it was played on U.S. soil at Whistling Straits golf course in Haven, Wisconsin. There, the United States team, led by Steve Stricker, posted its largest win ever over Europe last September. The United States is overdue for a victory in Europe and under Zach's leadership will try to pick it up for the first time since 1993, when the matches are held next year at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Rome, Italy.

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Likely players on the U.S. roster are already endorsing Johnson as their captain, including Tony Finau, who said:

He's a cool blend of the older generational player and a person with a new generational outlook on the game. He's lived in both worlds. He's got a great perspective on the game and the team atmosphere.

 

2020 changed the Ryder Cup calendar

The Ryder Cup changed to odd-numbered years after the 2020 event was postponed due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Its return the following year saw a packed house of fans at Whistling Straits, mostly Americans due to continuing travel restrictions from COVID-19.

If a captain is currently active as a player, they will often participate in the Ryder Cup as a player as well. It seems likely but isn't confirmed, that will be the case with Zach.

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