Zach Johnson is up for the challenge of winning on European soil after he was named as USA’s captain for the 2023 Ryder Cup.
The American team were completely dominant at Whistling Straits in September last year, earning a record 19-9 victory over Padraig Harrington’s men.
However, they have not won an away Ryder Cup since 1993, and Johnson, who was a vice-captain for that big win, has been tasked with ending the miserable run next year in Italy.
“To accept this captaincy, to lead this United States Ryder Cup Team abroad - after what we accomplished last year at Whistling Straits - is simply the greatest honour of my professional career,” Johnson said.
“As exciting as this is for both my family and me, it is equally sobering to understand the scope of our challenge in Rome, as we have not won on the road in three decades.
“To win, we will have to outplay a European team that will have both ample talent and motivation on their side. I am anxious to dig in and begin the process of putting our team in the best possible position to succeed.”
He added: “The way I’m kind of wired is I love when individuals, teams, entities, go into a situation that’s very trying; a situation where they are probably not supposed to, but do,
“I love going over there and competing. I love stretching myself. I love being uncomfortable. I think that’s kind of an odd thing but I like when it’s hard.
“It is going to be hard. But it’s also just a beautiful opportunity to go out there and give these guys an avenue to be themselves and play with freedom and that’s kind of how I’m going to approach it. I’m looking forward to holding hands with my wife and just getting after it in Italy.”
Johnson confirmed that he would be continuing the selection system of having six automatic places and then six captain’s picks.
That worked successfully in 2021 under captain Steve Stricker, and he will once again be involved as Team USA now turn their attentions to the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club.
“This may come as a surprise to most out there, but Steve Stricker has accepted his vice-captainship role in Italy and I’m honoured to have him by my side,” Johnson said.
“He’s a guy who has led Team USA to a pretty resounding victory, but it’s not just the scoreboard, it’s more so how he did it.
“The class with which he took this position and led, I admire, so to have him as a sounding board, an individual and a close friend, I’m excited he wanted to join in.”
