Controversial golf analyst backs former Open champion to lead next US Ryder Cup team

Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee has backed Justin Leonard to lead the United States at the 2027 Ryder Cup. 

When the matches head to Ireland next September, the U.S. team will be attempting to win on the road since for the first time since their 15-13 win at The Belfry in 1993.  

Tiger Woods was always expected to captain the red, white and blue at Adare Manor but the 82-time PGA Tour winner ruled himself out of the position after he was arrested on charges of driving under the influence last month. 

The PGA of America is expected to name Keegan Bradley's successor shortly and there are no shortage of candidates, with Jim Furyk, Steve Stricker, Stewart Cink, Brandt Snedeker, Gary Woodland and Webb Simpson and even Bradley all touted as potential skippers. 

But Chamblee believes the governing body are "not paying attention" unless they pick former Open champion Leonard. 

He told Golfweek: "In my mind there is nobody who is more deserving to be the next captain for the USA than Justin Leonard.

"He's smart, organized, media savvy, has a great sense of humour and is a natural leader … which is to say, he'd surround himself with smart people and they would endeavour to get at the real reason the USA is so bad in the Ryder Cup. 

"He's his own man but would engage a great many people in getting his plan together."

Leonard, 53, represented the United States Ryder Cup team on three occasions (1997, 1999, 2008). 

He is best-known for conjuring one of the greatest and controversial moments in Ryder Cup history, sinking a 45-foot putt for birdie on the 17th hole at The Country Club to complete a remarkable comeback for Ben Crenshaw's side in 1999. 

When the putt dropped, it sparked wild celebratory scenes but the Europeans thought their opponents displayed poor etiquette as Jose Maria Olazabal still had a putt to halve the hole. 

A 12-time PGA Tour winner, Leonard previously outlined his ambitions for the role on Chamblee's podcast but claimed he believed he had missed his chance. 

"I think it is important for a captain to understand their personalities," the 1997 Open champion said. 

"You don't have to be friends with the guys, but you certainly need to know them. 

"And part of knowing them is, is playing golf, seeing, you know, watching them practice a little bit, playing with them in tournaments, you know, all those things. 

"I think all that does make a difference when you're trying to put a team together."

Meanwhile, European captain Luke Donald has already completed one reconnaissance trip to next year's venue. 

The former world number was expected to step away from the role after leading Team Europe to their first win in hostile territory since the Miracle at Medinah in 2012.

His dozen withstood an incredible final day fightback from Bradley's side to seal a 15-13 away win at Bethpage Black in New York. 

But he confirmed in March that he will lead Team Europe once again and attempt to become the first skipper to win three Ryder Cups in a row. 

Donald is the first European captain to serve three terms since Bernard Gallacher. 

The 2027 Ryder Cup will be played over 17-19 September.