Scottie Scheffler makes feelings clear on Jim Furyk as US Ryder Cup captain

Scottie Scheffler has backed Jim Furyk to succeed as United States Ryder Cup captain in 2027, praising the veteran’s leadership and experience following his appointment for the contest at Adare Manor in Ireland.

Speaking ahead of this week’s $20 million Cadillac Championship at Trump National Doral, the world number one made his feelings clear on Furyk’s suitability to replace Keegan Bradley.

"Yeah, Jim and Tabitha both are really, they're great people," said Scheffler. 

"Jim is a really, really good leader. He's extremely organized in the way he does things.

"I think with Jim you just have so much experience across so many team events whether it's playing or being a captain. 

"The guy's been on those teams for seems like for forever. He had such a long career out here and was so good for a long time that he played on a bunch and then he's such a great guy that he's been a captain and assistant captain on 'em as well.

"I think he brings a lot of knowledge and experience to the table. He has a way that he likes to do things and he's very experienced and in that role and I think he's going to do a great job."

Furyk, a 17-time PGA Tour winner, will take charge of the United States for a second time as they look to end Europe’s dominance in the Ryder Cup.

The 55-year-old previously led the U.S. team in 2018 at Le Golf National in Paris, where they suffered a heavy defeat to Europe. 

Despite that setback, Furyk has been handed another opportunity to lead the side in golf’s most intense team competition.

He remains closely connected to the current U.S. setup, having served as one of Bradley's vice-captains in their 15-13 defeat at Bethpage last September. 

USA's last victory at the Ryder Cup came with a record-breaking 10-point win on home soil at Whistling Straits in September 2021.

However, the stars and stripes have unthinkably not won an away Ryder Cup since 1993 — a drought Furyk will now attempt to end at Adare Manor in 2027.

Furyk last week welcomed his own appointment with pride and determination, underlining his commitment to leading the U.S. team back to success.

“The opportunity to captain the U.S. Ryder Cup Team for a second time is a tremendous honor,” said Furyk.

“I am committed to putting our players in the best position to succeed as we work to reclaim the Cup on European soil.”

Scheffler, 29, also revealed he had no involvement in the decision-making process behind Furyk’s appointment.

"I have no input at all," said Scheffler. 

"I found out when you did. Would I like to have input? If they want me to have input, then I can have input. But the PGA of America runs the Ryder Cup, and it's not the PGA Tour, it's not the players, it's the PGA of America, it's not us.

"So if they want my opinion, they got my phone number, I'm sure. I had to fill out a bunch of forms to play in the tournament."

European captain Luke Donald, who will look to become the first ever captain to win three Ryder Cups on the bounce in the 100-year history of the contest in 2027, responded to Furyk’s appointment on social media. 

“Congratulations Jim. Diane and I look forward to sharing this special experience together with you and Tabitha over the next 17 months.”

Scheffler headlines the field at Doral this week as the PGA Tour returns to the Blue Monster for the first time since 2016. 

The fearsome Blue Monster course is expected to provide a stern test, with the four-time major champion getting his first look at the layout.

"My experience on this course is the last two days was all I saw," said Scheffler, who starts a red-hot 10/3 favourite to land a 21st PGA Tour title and second of 2026.

"I tried to go back and watch some stuff, but the golf course has changed a decent amount over time. The greens are bigger than they were a few years ago. Then, when you look back even further, the greens were a different type of grass.

"When it comes to walking the course, this course in particular is pretty straightforward in a sense of like you can see off the tee box where you need to hit it, it's just a matter of hitting it there time and time again.

"There's not really many tricks to this golf course. It's just very, very difficult. It's a flat piece of land. There's just a lot of bunkers, a lot of water and the golf holes are long. So with that combination, it's going to be tough."

Scheffler arrives at the fifth Signature Event of the season in solid form off the back of two runner-up finishes in a row at The Masters and RBC Heritage earlier this month. 

Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy will not feature at Doral as he continues to scale back his schedule to focus on the majors. 

The Northern Irishman is set to return at the Truist Championship before competing at the PGA Championship at Aronimink.

Other notable absentees this week include world number three Matt Fitzpatrick and two-time major champion Xander Schauffele. 

Patrick Cantlay was forced to withdraw from the tournament on Tuesday due to illness.