Stricker named USA Ryder Cup captain - (2026)

Steve Stricker has been given the task of winning back the Ryder Cup from Europe after being confirmed as the USA’s captain for the 2020 event at Whistling Straits (USA 8/11, draw 11/1, Europe 11/8 – 2020 Ryder Cup Outright).

Stricker featured in three Ryder Cups as a player, with his only victory coming in the 2008 edition at Valhalla Golf Club, and he will be hoping to get the better of counterpart Padraig Harrington in Wisconsin next year.

The 51-year-old showcased his captaincy credentials when leading the USA to a thumping 19-11 victory over the International team at the 2017 Presidents Cup at Liberty National Golf Club in New Jersey.

After the fall-out from last year’s defeat to Europe at Le Golf National, which brought about rumours of player disagreements and a lack of harmony within the team, Stricker will be looking to install a feelgood factor when his 12-man team is confirmed.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, the newly-appointed captain said: “Truly a dream come true, I’m honoured to represent the PGA. I’m truly humbled by this opportunity, because I’m very passionate about this competition.”

It was also revealed there would be a slight tweak with the selection process for the US side, with all four captain’s picks being announced at the same time on September 1 – two days after the conclusion of the Tour Championship.

In terms of the points system, this week’s WGC-Mexico Championship marks the start of players being able to rack up qualifying points, whilst the final event to gather points will be the BMW Championship on August 23.

Reacting to the minor changes, Stricker added: “We have this time period where we can make these selections, get everybody on the same page and work on the pairings. I think it’s a good move, I think we have formalised a really good system here.”

Dustin Johnson, who is 11/1 to win this week’s WGC-Mexico Championship, Brooks Koepka, Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth are all expected to be prominent members of the 2020 team (Koepka 14/1 – 2019 Masters Outright).

Odds subject to change