Zach Johnson appointed as Team US captain for 2023 Ryder Cup

Zach Johnson appointed as Team US captain for 2023 Ryder Cup

Zach Johnson

The two-time Major champion Zach Johnson is set to take over as the US Ryder Cup captain. The 46-year-old will look to try and end a 30-year wait for a victory on European soil. Meanwhile, three people with knowledge of the decision confirmed the move to The Associated Press on Thursday with a condition of anonymity.

This is because the PGA of America has yet to announce Johnson’s selection. The PGA has scheduled a news conference for Monday morning to reveal the new captain, as per the latest updates.

Johnson, 45, has earlier served as an assistant captain each of the last two matches, and the American side has moved toward captains with previous involvement.

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“Got a great perspective on the game and the team atmosphere”

Zach Johnson
Zach Johnson

The Utah native Tony Finau, when asked last week at Riviera if he could envisage Johnson as Ryder Cup captain, gave a big thumbs up and described him as a “great leader.”

“He’s a cool blend of the older generational player and a person with a new generational outlook on the game,” Finau explained. “He’s lived in both worlds. He’s got a great perspective on the game and the team atmosphere.”

The current World Number 7 Xander Schauffele, reflected on Johnson’s time at Whistling Straits, saying the latter was lighthearted as a non-playing assistant captain, that wasn’t enough to hide his competitiveness.

“You look at his game and what he’s accomplished,” Schauffele said. “He’s a shorter guy, like the old-school type. If you’re in trouble, chip out and hit your wedges close and putt really well. If you think about that type of player, they have to be so precise and disciplined in their approach. That created who he is. He’s got a lot of fight.

“I can feel how much everything means to him and how much he wants to win.”

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