Tiger Woods has already given green light to Ryder Cup captaincy as speculation swirls
Tiger Woods has already indicated he'd love to be a captain at the Ryder Cup
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In the wake of Team America's crushing Ryder Cup defeat to Team Europe, speculation is swirling about Tiger Woods potentially captaining his nation at the next tournament in 2025.
Zach Johnson isn't expected to return in the role, with the 47-year-old attracting criticism for his side's poor performance.
And Ryder Cup legend Paul Azinger would love to see Woods take over.
The 63-year-old, who captained Team USA to victory all the way back in 2008, spoke to Dan Hicks about Woods.
Zach Johnson's future as Ryder Cup is up in the air after Team America's crushing defeat
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The 47-year-old, who is widely considered to be one of the best golfers of all time, was referred to by his real first name, Endrick.
Hicks said: "And now the speculation in earnest begins who are going to be the next two captains.
"I know as far as the United States is concerned, there’s a guy named Eldrick available."
And Azinger then replied by saying: "Yeah, I think he might be the next captain.
"Bethpage Black would be a perfect match-up for he and Sergio Garcia actually.
"Who you never know, two years from now, where we’re going to be."
It is currently unclear what Woods' current stance on taking over from Johnson is.
But he's already made his feelings clear on the matter, saying he'd love to be a Ryder Cup captain one day in an interview in 2016.
He said at the time: "Yeah, I would love to do it.
"I would be honoured to do it in the future, if asked."
Woods was USA vice-captain seven years ago.
He helped Team America beat Europe 17-11 to win the competition at Hazeltine National.
Woods made a brief appearance at this year's tournament in Rome, despite not playing or being involved.
The golf icon was spotted watching the action alongside NSYNC star Justin Timberlake.
The two are friends and co-own a bar in New York, which opened recently.
Meanwhile, with regards to Johnson, the 47-year-old has accepted the blame for Team America's failure to win the prestigious prize.
"I am proud of my guys. They fought, they have got so much heart and grit," he said.
"It is not them it is on me. Maybe there are some important decisions I can reflect on, I don't have an idea yet, but it is not on them 12 guys.
"They played so hard, and I am grateful for each and every one of them."
He then congratulated Europe on their triumph by adding: "You have to take your hat off.
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Tiger Woods was vice-captain of Team America when they won the Ryder Cup back in 2016
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"To Team Europe, to Luke, they played great, they earned it."
America haven't won the Ryder Cup away from home soil for 30 years.
They will, however, be out for revenge in two years' time.
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