Phil Mickelson not interested in 2025 Ryder Cup captaincy

Changes are likely before the next Ryder Cup in 2025

By Web Desk
January 12, 2024
Six-times major winner Mickelson, 53, played on every U.S. Ryder Cup team between 1995-2018 and was announced vice-captain in 2021, but did not take part in 2023. - AFP

Phil Mickelson is not interested in leading the U.S. team at the 2025 Ryder Cup while citing the hostile attitude from PGA Tour players following his move to the Saudi-backed LIV circuit.

U.S. Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson faced a lot of critcisim after his side were overpowered by Europe last year.

However, changes are likely before the next Ryder Cup in 2025, which will take place at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York.

Six-times major winner Mickelson, 53, played on every U.S. Ryder Cup team between 1995-2018 and was announced vice-captain in 2021, but did not take part in 2023.

While he also knows the course well, having twice finished runner-up at the U.S. Open there, he said on the Pat McAfee Show this week that he did not feel he was the "right guy" to captain the side.

"I'm a very divisive character right now, if you will, and I understand that," he said on the Youtube sports talk show.

"The players on the PGA Tour, there's a lot of hostilities towards me, and I don't feel I'd be the best leader for them.

"I knew I was going to take some hits going forward, and I'm OK with that. And as a divisive individual, I don't think I'm the best unifier going forward for the Ryder Cup, and that's fine because I've had so many great memories with it."

Team Europe have already roped in 2023 captain Luke Donald for the 2025 event. He is Europe's first repeat captain since Bernard Gallacher in 1991, 1993 and 1995.

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