Scottie Scheffler comments on Jim Furyk’s Ryder Cup appointment
Scottie Scheffler has disclosed that he played no role whatsoever in the selection of Jim Furyk as Team USA’s captain for the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor, reports BritPanorama.
Prior to the Cadillac Championship in Miami, Scheffler, currently ranked as the world’s top golfer, confirmed that he learned of Furyk’s appointment at the same time as the public. “No, I have no input at all,” he stated. “I found out when you did.”
Furyk, a 55-year-old former US Open champion, was officially confirmed as captain last Friday by the PGA of America. He previously led the American team in their 2018 defeat to Europe in Paris.
Scheffler emphasized that decisions regarding captaincy lie solely within the purview of the governing body, rather than the players. “Would I like to have input? If they want me to have input, then I can have input,” he explained. “But the PGA of America runs the Ryder Cup, and it’s not the PGA Tour, it’s not the players, it’s the PGA of America, it’s not us.”
Adding a touch of humour, he remarked, “So if they want my opinion, they have my phone number, I’m sure. I had to fill out a bunch of forms to play in the tournament.” Scheffler indicated that a Ryder Cup committee, which includes three PGA of America executives and three PGA Tour players—Jordan Spieth among them—would be a topic of future discussions with Spieth.
Furyk’s selection followed Tiger Woods’ withdrawal from consideration for the role. Woods had been a leading candidate to succeed Keegan Bradley but chose to step back from golf after a car crash in March.
The upcoming Ryder Cup poses a significant challenge for Furyk, tasked with steering Team USA towards victory after consecutive defeats in Rome and New York.
Questions remain over whether Furyk is the right choice to re-establish American supremacy in the competition. Despite this scrutiny, Scheffler voiced his support for Furyk, citing their previous collaboration during the 2024 Presidents Cup. “Yeah, Jim and [his wife] Tabitha are really great people,” he noted.
Further praising Furyk’s leadership abilities, Scheffler remarked, “Jim is a really good leader. He’s extremely organised in the way he does things.” He highlighted Furyk’s extensive experience, having participated in every Ryder Cup since 1997, whether as a competitor or in a leadership capacity.
“I think he brings a lot of knowledge and experience to the table,” he added. “He has a way that he likes to do things and he’s very experienced in that role. I think he’s going to do a great job.”
As anticipation builds for the 2027 event, the dynamics of leadership and player involvement will be closely watched, revealing the intricate balance between tradition and modernity in this storied tournament.
