ROME – What’s more challenging, playing in a Ryder Cup or captaining one?
This year’s American skipper, Zach Johnson, didn’t hesitate in answering: “Definitely a captain.”
“As a player, you do this day-in, day-out,” Johnson explained Monday from Marco Simone Golf and Country Club. “This is a new experience for both of us to be able to manage a team, to be able to manage different characters, to come up with ideas that you think will help your team. It's been a labor of love in a way but a really fun one. I've tried to enjoy the journey as much as possible. I'm glad the week is finally here.”
Johnson and his opposing Captain this week, Englishman Luke Donald, have combined to compete in nine Ryder Cups as players. Johnson played in five Cups, going 8-7-2 but being a part of just one winning squad (2016). Donald went 10-4-1 in four Ryder Cups, all wins.
Here is a breakdown of each captain’s Ryder Cup performances:
Zach Johnson
- 2006 – 1-2-1
- 2010 – 2-1
- 2012 – 3-1
- 2014 – 0-2-1
- 2016 (win) – 2-1
Luke Donald
- 2004 (win) – 2-1-1
- 2006 (win) – 3-0
- 2010 (win) – 3-1
- 2012 (win) – 2-2
