Jim Furyk has named Justin Leonard and Stewart Cink as assistant captains for the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in Ireland. The U.S. captain made the announcement Saturday at the Kentucky Derby.
Both Leonard and Cink were considered potential captains themselves, and their selection as assistants could position either for the top job in future Ryder Cups.
Leonard, who played on three Ryder Cup teams with two U.S. victories, is forever linked to one of the most iconic moments in the event’s history — his dramatic 45-foot birdie putt at The Country Club in 1999 that secured America’s comeback victory over Europe.
This marks Leonard’s first time as a Ryder Cup assistant, though he served under Furyk at the 2024 Presidents Cup. Furyk clearly values their working relationship.
“The most organized, meticulous person I know,” Furyk said of Leonard. “So when I got this job, the first guy I called was Justin Leonard.”
Cink brings substantial Ryder Cup experience, having competed in five straight matches as a player, including the 2008 American victory at Valhalla. He’s already familiar with the assistant role, having served under Zach Johnson during Europe’s dominant win in Italy last year.
The U.S. faces a significant challenge in 2027. Europe has won the last two Ryder Cups, and Luke Donald returns as captain looking to become the first to win three straight. Even more daunting for the Americans — they haven’t won on European soil since 1993, a 30-year drought by the time they reach Ireland.
Furyk brings extensive Ryder Cup experience, having been involved in every competition since his playing debut in 1997, either as player, assistant or captain. This will be his second captaincy after leading the U.S. team that lost in Paris in 2018.
