For the first time for the Ryder Cup, the American team committee has created a new role of team manager for the 2025 games in New York.
Despite not yet having a captain to lead the American team next year, the PGA of America has announced the appointment of six-year Ryder Cup veteran Mark Wood to the new role of Team Manager.
Beginning with the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, the US Ryder Cup Committee said Wood “will work closely with the US team captain, vice-captain, team members and senior management of the PGA of America on all strategic and operational matters related to the US Ryder Cup team. “.
Wood will provide guidance in all areas of team management including player selection, recruitment, motivational strategies, organizational structure and promoting a positive team atmosphere.
Wood has served as a caddy for four US players in six Ryder Cups, working with Mark Calcavecchia in 2002; Chris Riley in 2004; Hunter Mahan in 2008, 2010 and 2014, and Matt Kuchar in 2016. He also served as a team assistant during the 2018 Ryder Cup in France.
After a 20-plus year career as a caddy on the PGA Tour, Wood joined NBC Sports' golf coverage as a reporter in 2021. He hosted the 2021 Ryder Cup in Whistling Straits and the 2023 Ryder Cup in Italy.
“We are thrilled to have John join our team as the new manager of the US Ryder Cup Team,” said PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh. “John is a passionate and dedicated person. His years of experience in domestic and international team competitions and his deep understanding of the dynamics of the game will be of great help as we develop a creative strategy that brings success to all future Ryder Cups. I'm not sure we could have found a better fit for this role in terms of experience, enthusiasm and consistency.”
“There is nothing, and I mean nothing, in my professional career, that I have loved more than the Ryder Cup,” said Wood. “I have been blessed to be a part of six Ryder Cup teams as a caddy and two as an on-course reporter for NBC Sports and have enjoyed every moment of those special, unforgettable events.
“I am honored to work with my friends at the PGA of America, the PGA Ryder Cup Committee, and future Ryder Cup Captains, Vice Captains and team members to help our Captains and teams prepare to compete in one of the sport's greatest events. the world has ever seen. I am grateful to NBC Sports for allowing me to take on this role, which is truly a dream job.”
Europe will be held again by Luke Donald in 2025, following what was seen as the book captain in Rome in 2023, when Europe enjoyed a 16.5-11.5 victory.
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