Jon Rahm picks Sergio Garcia for a role Tiger Woods turned down last year
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Tiger Woods accomplished just about everything in golf and served every imaginable role. From grand slam champion to mentor, international icon and board member, he's just about done it all. But one title he's consistently sidestepped is Ryder Cup captain.
Despite competing in eight Ryder Cups and serving as a player-captain at the 2019 Presidents Cup, Woods officially declined the offer to lead Team USA at this year's Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.
"With my new responsibilities to the Tour and time commitments involved, I felt like I would not be able to commit the time to Team USA and the players required as a captain," the 15-time major winner stated last year as quoted by the PGA Tour.
That opened the door the PGA of America to choose Keegan Bradley as the man to captain Team USA at Bethpage Black for the 2025 Ryder Cup in late September.
Now, with just 62 days until the Bethpage battle, attention is already shifting to the 2031 Ryder Cup, which was officially awarded to Camiral in Girona, Spain, last week.
The captains for both sides remain undecided, but Spanish star Jon Rahm believes his countryman and longtime Woods rival, Sergio Garcia, would be the perfect choice to lead Team Europe in the homeland.
KOHLER, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 25: Sergio Garcia of Spain and team Europe (L) and Jon Rahm of Spain and team Europe walk off the third green during Saturday Morning Foursome Matches of the 43rd Ryder...
KOHLER, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 25: Sergio Garcia of Spain and team Europe (L) and Jon Rahm of Spain and team Europe walk off the third green during Saturday Morning Foursome Matches of the 43rd Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits on September 25, 2021 in Kohler, Wisconsin. (Photo by) More
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Speaking Wednesday at LIV Golf UK, Rahm gave his full-throated endorsement for Garcia.
"Knowing that some things smoothed over in the world of golf, that Sergio could possibly be the captain of the Ryder Cup team, that also adds to it," Rahm shared publicly at JCB Golf & Country Club in the Midlands of England.
"I think there's something to say about possibly having, obviously, a local captain. I think it would do wonders for the crowd. If history shows us anything—and it's very hard to compare anybody to Seve—but I've only heard stories about what that Ryder Cup was like. I would say, if possible, I think that's a very obvious good choice to have Sergio be a part of that one."
Garcia is currently the all-time Ryder Cup points leader, with 28.5 points across 10 appearances from 1999 to 2021. His record stands at 25-13-7, and he's been part of some of Europe's most iconic moments, including a 3-0 run with Rahm at Whistling Straits in 2021.
Rahm, who will turn 36 by 2031, showcased his determination to battle for his team in his homeland.
"(In 1997), I think ... that I can remember, four Spanish people that were involved in that Ryder Cup with Seve. Miguel (Angel Jimenez) was a vice captain, Ollie (Jose Maria Olazabal) playing and then Nacho Garrido playing, as well, so only four people can say they have done that," Rahm stated as quoted.
"I don't know how many players can ever say they've played a Ryder Cup in their home countries. Not many, besides the U.S. team, obviously. But it would be unbelievable. I'm very happy that it's happening. I'm hoping that somehow or another I can be a part of it. There's certainly some pressure that comes with it, but it truly would be a dream come true."
As for Woods, it wouldn't be surprising to see him wear the captain's hat for an upcoming Ryder Cup. However, he might be a more likely pick for Team USA at the 2027 Cup at Adare Manor.
More Golf: Tiger Woods' Ex-Coach Calls Scottie Scheffler 'More of Jack' Nicklaus
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