Stewart Cink is stepping into the spotlight, making it clear that he has set his sights on becoming the U.S. Ryder Cup captain for the highly anticipated 2027 event. With the Ryder Cup’s recent history being dominated by European teams, Cink’s ambition is not just a personal goal but a passionate desire to shift the tide back in favor of the United States. “Heck yeah I’m interested in being the Ryder Cup captain. I would love to,” Cink declared emphatically as he prepared for the PGA Tour Champions event, Furyk & Friends.
At 52 years old, Cink is no stranger to the Ryder Cup. As a five-time participant and a major champion, he brings a wealth of experience to the table. His resume also includes four appearances in the Presidents Cup and an impressive tally of eight victories on the PGA Tour, capped by a thrilling triumph at the 2009 British Open. Yet, despite his accomplishments, Cink remains humble, acknowledging that he doesn’t believe in self-promotion. “It’s not something you would go out and sell yourself on,” he remarked, but his desire to lead is palpable.
Cink’s journey toward the captaincy took a disappointing turn when he was considered but ultimately passed over for the 2025 captaincy, which went to Keegan Bradley. Reflecting on the selection process, he expressed his frustration at the lack of communication following what he thought was a promising phone interview. “I thought it went well, but I haven’t received one word since then,” Cink lamented. The moment he learned that Bradley would take the reins felt like a gut punch, leaving him disheartened. “I was gutted. I thought I had a pretty good shot at it,” he shared, emphasizing that his focus is on the team’s success rather than personal accolades.
Cink’s vision for the U.S. team is rooted in a desire to emulate the meticulous preparations that have defined European successes over the years. He believes it’s crucial to explore new strategies that could yield better results. “Europe is leaving no stone unturned when it comes to getting ready for this thing,” he noted. Cink is determined to identify what has worked for the European squad and implement fresh ideas that will invigorate the U.S. team.
Despite the disappointment of missing out on the captaincy, Cink’s window for the position is still wide open. He understands the challenges that lie ahead and is prepared to immerse himself fully in the role if given the chance. “If I had to be on Tour every week, I’d be on Tour every week,” he vowed, showcasing his commitment to the cause. As he looks to the future, Cink remains hopeful that he can be the catalyst for change, steering the U.S. team back to glory in the Ryder Cup. His passion and readiness to tackle the task head-on might just make him the leader the American team needs in 2027.
