‘WE’VE FINALLY GOT A BLUEPRINT FOR RYDER CUP SUCCESS’
New US Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson on Operation Rome
How does it feel to be named the 30th US Ryder Cup captain?
I’m extremely excited. I have all the emotions running through me. Just knowing that I can lead this great team in Italy and represent my country, again, well that’s flattering. I played my first Ryder Cup in 2006, and it was not the way I envisioned it as a team (the US lost heavily at The K Club). That being said, it was immediate that I was fixated on it. I loved it, the team camaraderie, chemistry, everything about it just grabbed me. I’ve loved it ever since that day. It’s the best event in the sport of golf.
How do you think the team aspect and captaincy have evolved since 2006?
We’ve got a system, or systems, I should say, almost like a template. There’s continuity. There are expectations laid out, and the whole systematic approach has really led to giving the guys on the team the freedom to just go, be themselves, and play and have a voice. We’ve just got a great plan.
What’s going to be your best trait as a captain?
Well, my wife would say my dimples (laughs). Going over there is not easy. I get that, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love stretching myself and being uncomfortable. That’s kind of an odd thing, but I like when it’s hard. It’s also just a great opportunity to go out there and let these guys be themselves and play with freedom. That’s how I’ll approach it.
And you’ve already locked in one of your vice-captains?
Yeah, this may come as a surprise to most out there; Steve Stricker has accepted his vice-captain role in Italy. I’m pumped and absolutely honoured to have him by my side, a guy that led us to a pretty resounding victory in 2021.
The qualification system is changing. How is it going to work moving forward?
Only the Majors, WGCS and The Players Championship will have points during the 2022 schedule. And then, once we get to January 2023, all of the regular PGA Tour events will be incorporated into the points system and will end with the second playoff event on August 20th. From there, we’ll have our top six.
So, you’ve decided to stick with six captain’s picks?
Yes, we’re going to kind of keep it the way it has been – well, keep it the way it was in 2021. The PGA Ryder Cup Committee really liked the system we had of six earned berths and six picks and we don’t feel like we need to change it. But more than that, we’re going across the pond to a golf course (Rome’s Marco Simone) that we’re unfamiliar with. I don’t want to say it will be horses for courses, but if I have a little bit of freedom I think it allows me to really pinpoint some key attributes that could be an asset on that golf course.
Have you given any thought to how this will affect your playing schedule moving forward?
I think 2022, it’s pretty normal for me. The fortunate side of leading this team is that I’m still pretty relevant on the PGA Tour. I’m still playing a moderately full schedule and the guys out there know me. I can go out there and compete with these guys and have dinner with these guys. I’m going to encourage them, push them to try to make the team. I was doing that as a vice-captain.
Have you ever been to Italy?
No, sir, I haven’t. Can’t wait, though. I cannot wait!