Could Justin Thomas or Tiger Woods Be Named a Presidents Cup Captain’s Assistant?

Keegan Bradley, initially set to serve as an assistant captain for the U.S. Team at the Presidents Cup, will now play as a competitor instead. Bradley's victory at the BMW Championship secured his spot on the team, leading U.S. Team Captain Jim Furyk to search for a replacement for the assistant captain role.

Bradley’s unexpected performance at the BMW Championship caught the attention of many, as he went from being the last player in the field to winning the tournament. This impressive feat solidified his place on the team, shifting his role from assistant captain to player. “He almost didn't make it to the BMW, correct?” Furyk remarked, reflecting on Bradley’s unexpected climb from 50th in the standings to victory. Furyk praised Bradley's ability to perform under pressure, noting that the decision to include him as a player became a "foregone conclusion" among his leadership team.

Now, with Bradley stepping up as a player, Furyk is left to fill the vacancy for a captain’s assistant. While Furyk did not provide specifics on potential replacements, his choice could be someone with prior captain experience or a player who narrowly missed out on a captain’s pick. When asked directly, Furyk remained vague: “I’m not even going to hint,” he said.

This ambiguity has fueled speculation about who might be chosen as the new assistant captain. Among the names being considered is Justin Thomas, whose exclusion from the six captain’s picks was a surprise. Thomas, ranked 19th in the Presidents Cup standings, has been a regular on U.S. national teams since the 2016 Ryder Cup. His absence from Furyk's final selections sparked rumors that he might still join the team as an assistant. With Thomas’ track record and experience, he could bring valuable insight and support to the team in this capacity.

Another name generating buzz is Tiger Woods. Woods has significant experience both as a player and an assistant captain. He served as a playing captain during the 2019 Presidents Cup in Australia and was an assistant captain in the 2016 Ryder Cup and 2017 Presidents Cup. Although Woods was considered a favorite for the 2025 U.S. Ryder Cup captaincy, he declined the role, leading to the appointment of Keegan Bradley instead. Furyk confirmed that he did not consult Woods about his captain’s picks, despite their friendly relationship. Still, Woods' wealth of experience and leadership skills make him a compelling option for the assistant role.

Furyk has not provided a timeline for naming a new assistant captain, but a decision will likely be made soon, as the U.S. Team is set to arrive in Montreal for the Presidents Cup preparations in less than three weeks. Whoever is chosen, the decision will be crucial in helping the U.S. extend its winning streak against the International Team.