The PGA of America on Monday made Zach Johnson’s Ryder Cup captaincy official, tapping the two-time major champion for the prestigious — and highly scrutinized — gig at an introductory press conference.
Looking to retain the Ryder Cup in Italy 🇮🇹
Good luck, @ZachJohnsonPGA.
— Ryder Cup (@rydercup) February 28, 2022
“I’m extremely excited,” said Johnson, 46. “Pure honor comes to mind more than anything, just knowing that I can lead this great team in Italy and represent my country again.”
- Golfweek’s Steve DiMeglio rounded up some reaction from Johnson’s Ryder Cup peers. Among the words used to describe the Cedar Rapids, Iowa, native were “bulldog,” “honest,” “smart,” “confident,” “rah-rah guy,” “energizer” and a “great blend of kind of new school/old school.”
- Johnson said he intends to run back the formula that made the Americans runaway winners in Wisconsin. That means six players will make the team by way of points and six will be captain’s picks.
In 2022, players can accrue qualifying points only in the major championships, the Players Championship and the lone WGC event on the calendar. In 2023, players will receive points in each PGA Tour event with added emphasis on the majors, Players and WGCs.
Steve Stricker, the winning captain at Whistling Straits in 2021, returns as a vice captain in keeping with recent protocols.
The Phil question looms large
The Phil question looms large
The topic of Phil Mickelson’s diminishing prospects as a future captain repeatedly came up, and Johnson did his best to deflect the delicate issue. “Given basically where we are right now, I have no idea what lies ahead as far as my vice captains and who is on this team,” he said.
