Former Illini standout Steve Stricker was named the 2020 U.S. Ryder Cup Captain this morning as announced by the PGA of America. The 43rd Ryder Cup is slated to be held at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin, September 25-27, 2020. Stricker has made three Ryder Cup appearances as a player, and has played on five Presidents Cup teams. Stricker will also serve as an assistant captain at the Presidents Cup in December 2019.
"Being a Ryder Cup Captain is one of the most prestigious and honorable selections in all of golf," head coach Mike Small said of his former teammate's appointment. "To be appointed a Ryder Cup Captain shows the type of career that Steve has had, it shows the leadership he has and it shows how much he is respected in the game. His experiences as an international team player in several Presidents Cups and Ryder Cups will give him the background needed to lead his team. As his friend of almost 35 years, I can attest to the fact that he is a perfect selection to be captain, and his leadership will give the United States a great chance to regain the Ryder Cup. I am proud to be his friend and to have had him as my teammate at Illinois; I'm proud not only of how his career has evolved throughout the years, but I'm proud that even through his PGA TOUR victories and numerous awards, he has remained the same person and friend. I think I can speak for everyone when I say that Illini Nation is looking forward to not only watching his leadership during the Ryder Cup, but following his continued successes on TOUR."
