Tarheel Davis Love III a perfect choice for American team captain for 2022 Presidents Cup

Davis Love III got the call again.

The member of the World Golf Hall of Fame, who counts 21 PGA Tour titles on his resume, including the 1997 PGA Championship, is leading the USA charges into the 2022 Presidents Cup.

It will be the third captaincy for Love; he was at the helm for the USA in the 2012 and 2016 editions of the Ryder Cup. Love also has been a vice captain in the Presidents Cup in 2013, 2015 and 2017 and in the Ryder Cup in 2010, 2018 and 2021.

Love’s playing card in the two events has been equally full – he played in the Presidents Cup in 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2003 and 2005 and in the Ryder Cup in 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2002 and 2004.

“My history with this event dating back to 1994 conjures up indelible memories of competition, camaraderie and sportsmanship, and I’m thrilled to be leading the top American players into Quail Hollow Club,” said Love, 58, who was born in the Queen City. “The U.S. team has been guided by some of the game’s all-time greats since 1994, and I will do my best to carry on that legacy as we look to retain the Cup.”

In Love’s first go as captain in the 2012 Ryder Cup, the Europeans stormed back from a 10-4 deficit to win 14½-13½ at Medinah north of Chicago. Four years later, Love and the U.S. avenged the crushing defeat at Hazeltine in Minnesota, winning 17-11.

Davis Love III
Born: Charlotte, North Carolina
Turned pro: 1985
Professional wins: 37
PGA Tour wins: 21
Major victories: 1 (1997 PGA Championship)
Highest ranking: 2 (July 1998)

As for the Presidents Cup, the U.S. has dominated the Internationals, losing just once and tying once in 13 contests. The U.S. is in possession of the Cup after playing captain Tiger Woods led the Americans to a 16-14 victory in 2019 at Royal Melbourne Golf Club in Australia.

The 2022 Presidents Cup being contested at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, is an ideal setting for the Tarheel that is Love.

“He’s got player respect through and through, experience in that venue and a guy that from a leadership standpoint is more willing to listen than speak, if that makes sense. He’s a good listener. He’s the epitome of a self-less leader,” two-time major champion Zach Johnson said. Johnson, who has played in the Ryder Cup five times and the Presidents Cup four times, was an assistant to Woods in the 2019 Presidents Cup and joined Love as an assistant for the most recent Ryder Cup.

Johnson said the decision to name Love involved many parties, including PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, the Ryder Cup committee and Tiger Woods.

“The process of getting to this point was actually quite extensive,” Johnson said. “There was a lot of discussion. For the betterment of the lineup of the Cups, for the betterment of the team, this was the best option. There were a lot of individuals involved in the process; it just got down to the point where we all felt that given where we are, Davis was the best option and to maintain what we’ve already established and get some new blood in as vice captains so we can be more selective and have more options in the future.

“Throw in the ties to North Carolina and that neck of the woods. He’s a Tarheel at heart. Things just kind of lined up.”

South African and 2008 Masters champion Trevor Immelmann, who was named captain of the 2022 Internationals squad in April 2020, played in two editions of the Presidents Cup and was an assistant to Ernie Els in the 2019 Presidents Cup.

And the CBS analyst said he’s got the utmost respect for his counterpart.

“He’s so accomplished in the game,” Immelman said. “On the course his results speak for themselves and the longevity he’s had at the highest level is really fantastic. He’s one of the nicest guys you would ever wish to meet. Just a tremendous man. The charitable work he’s involved in with his family is tremendous. I have nothing but respect and admiration for Davis.

“He’s been captain of a couple of Ryder Cups, both emotional ones with obviously the first one with a bit of a mishap Sunday at Medinah, but then made amends for it the second time. Now he gets a shot at the Presidents Cup.

“Davis is popular wherever he goes, but to be in that role in Charlotte, a lot of people will be out there rooting for him. And the better the atmosphere, the better the event. I’m extremely happy for him to get this opportunity.”

Love was a three-time All-America at the University of North Carolina.

“The Carolinas mean so much to me and my family, and it’s humbling to know that I will return to Charlotte in this new role to help carry on the rich sports tradition the Queen City has developed through the years,” Love said. “Quail Hollow is one of the best tests of golf we see all year on the PGA Tour, and it will be a perfect venue for a match-play event given the variation of challenges it presents.

“I think you will see players taking on a number of risk-reward shots throughout the week, presenting an exciting environment for fans onsite and watching around the world.”