Ryder Cup veteran Steve Stricker has been chosen by the PGA of America to captain the US Ryder Cup team for the 43rd Ryder Cup, which will be played at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin in 2020.
Born and bred in Wisconsin, 51-year-old Stricker made his Ryder Cup debut in 2008 at the age of 41 and played in three consecutive Ryder Cups from 2008-2012. A vice-captain at the Ryder Cup hosted at Hazeltine in 2016, Stricker also played in five Presidents Cups, an event at which he served as victorious US captain in 2017.
“Steve Stricker’s career has long established a place of prominence in American golf,” said PGA of America president Suzie Whaley. “Yet, he’s as relevant as ever — as evidenced by three wins last year on the PGA Tour Champions – and he has a wonderful ability to connect with players of all ages. Steve’s vision for his Captaincy is laser focused and we are elated to have this hometown favourite as our US Ryder Cup Captain for 2020 at Whistling Straits.”
Stricker said: “In our sport, in this country, there is no greater honour than to captain the United States Ryder Cup team. I am humbled by both the opportunity at hand and the responsibility that comes with the position. I’d like to thank the PGA Ryder Cup Committee for their belief in me.”
He added: “While we were disappointed with the result in Paris, I am confident the setback will fuel our preparations for what will take place at Whistling Straits. Europe’s talent will present a great challenge, but we will be focused on what we can accomplish together in 2020 in my home state, in front of a loyal legion of sports fans in Wisconsin. It’s going to be a memorable week.”
In his first act as US Ryder Cup captain, Stricker named Jim Furyk as the first of his vice captains. Furyk served as US captain in 2018 and played in nine Ryder Cups. Padraig Harrington was named 2020 European Ryder Cup captain last month.