Jim Furyk, the United States’ Ryder Cup captain, announced that former tour champions Justin Leonard and Stewart Cink will serve as his two assistant captains for the 2027 competition, which is slated to take place at the stunning Adare Manor venue in Ireland. The revelation came during Furyk’s appearance at the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, where he took the opportunity to outline his leadership team for the upcoming event. Both Leonard and Cink have been long‑time candidates for a captaincy role, and their elevation to assistant positions could be read as a signal that they are being groomed for future head‑captain duties. Leonard, a three‑time Ryder Cup participant, was a key figure in two victorious U.S.
campaigns and is perhaps best remembered for his dramatic 45‑foot birdie putt at The Country Club in 1999, a shot that sealed a dramatic comeback over Europe and cemented his status as a clutch performer. This marks Leonard’s inaugural assignment as a Ryder Cup assistant captain. He previously worked alongside Furyk at the 2024 Presidents Cup, where Furyk praised him as his "right‑hand man" and highlighted his meticulous, organized approach to team preparation. "The most organized, meticulous person I know," Furyk said, "so when I got this job, the first guy I called was Justin Leonard." Stewart Cink, meanwhile, brings a wealth of experience from five consecutive Ryder Cup appearances, including a pivotal role in the United States’ 2008 triumph at Valhalla.
Cink also served as an assistant captain to Zach Johnson during the 2023 edition in Italy, a competition that ended in a decisive European victory. His extensive playing résumé and prior leadership exposure make him a valuable addition to Furyk’s staff.
The United States faces a challenging road ahead. Europe has captured the last two Ryder Cups, and the British side will be led by Luke Donald, who is aiming to become the first captain to secure three consecutive titles.
The Americans, on the other hand, have not won an overseas Ryder Cup since 1993, underscoring the difficulty of the task ahead. Furyk’s own Ryder Cup pedigree is extensive. He first stepped onto the Ryder Cup stage as a player in 1997 and has been involved in every competition since, whether as a player, assistant, or captain.
This will be his second stint as U.S. captain; his first term ended in disappointment after a loss in Paris in 2018. The experience he brings, combined with the strategic insights of Leonard and Cink, is intended to revitalize the American squad and close the gap that has widened over the past decade.
Beyond the immediate team announcements, the broader golf calendar continues to evolve. The PGA Tour’s 2026 schedule has been released, offering fans a full slate of tournaments to follow. For those interested in streaming, the PGA Tour now offers a contract‑free viewing option, making it easier than ever to catch live action from anywhere.
Golf enthusiasts can stay up‑to‑date with the latest news, video highlights, in‑depth analysis, and feature stories by following Sky Sports on WhatsApp. The network also provides a dedicated Sky Sports Golf Podcast for listeners who prefer audio coverage, as well as comprehensive live broadcast windows for major events, including the PGA Tour Signature Event, which will be shown across all four rounds on Sky Sports. In addition to tournament coverage, Sky Sports encourages fans to explore the game at the grassroots level by booking tee times at over 1,700 courses throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland. The platform’s user‑friendly search tool allows golfers to locate nearby courses by entering a city, postcode, or venue name, although occasional search errors may require a new query.
Overall, the appointment of Leonard and Cink signals a strategic shift for Team USA as they prepare for a challenging overseas campaign. With Furyk’s seasoned leadership, Leonard’s proven clutch performance history, and Cink’s extensive Ryder Cup experience, the United States hopes to reverse a long‑standing trend of European dominance and reclaim the coveted Ryder Cup trophy on foreign soil.