Phil Mickelson Calls for Non-Traditional Ryder Cup Captain, Suggests College Coaching Legends
BETHESDA, MD – Phil Mickelson has ignited a debate about U.S. Ryder Cup leadership, publicly suggesting the selection of a captain with a background in college sports rather than professional golf. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Mickelson referenced legendary coaches mike Krzyzewski (“Coach K”) and Lou Holtz as potential candidates, accompanied by a face-slap emoji.
Mickelson’s comments signal a deep dissatisfaction with the current approach to U.S. Ryder Cup captaincy.He appears to believe a different style of leadership is needed to overcome the team’s recent struggles in the biennial competition against Europe. “If a leader doesn’t believe in his players, it’s a waste of time and effort and not worth doing to begin with,” Mickelson wrote, implying a lack of faith in past captains.
The suggestion is notable given the past precedent of selecting Ryder Cup captains from the ranks of prosperous professional golfers. Krzyzewski, who coached men’s basketball at Duke University for 42 seasons, led his teams to five NCAA national championships and holds the record for most wins in NCAA division I men’s basketball history. He also coached the U.S. Men’s National basketball team to three Olympic gold medals and three world championships. Holtz, a renowned football coach, achieved a national championship with Notre Dame in 1988 and successfully revitalized multiple college football programs.
Mickelson’s call for a non-traditional captain comes after a history of publicly questioning Ryder Cup leadership. In 2014,he openly criticized captain Tom Watson following a U.S. loss at Gleneagles in Scotland. While once considered a potential captain himself, Mickelson’s move to LIV Golf has likely diminished his chances. He dismissed a user’s suggestion that he should take the role, replying, “Flattered, but I am not.”
The next U.S. Ryder Cup captain has not yet been announced. The 2027 competition will be held September 13-19 at Adare Manor in Ireland.
