Johnson named USA Ryder Cup captain | Refuses to rule out picking Mickelson

Zach Johnson has been confirmed as the United States' captain for their defence of the Ryder Cup in 2023, succeeding Steve Stricker in the role.

The PGA of America revealed Johnson's appointment at a press conference for Monday and the man who celebrates his 46th birthday on Thursday will be charged with retaining the trophy at Marco Simone Golf Club in Italy next September, live on Sky Sports' dedicated Ryder Cup channel.

Johnson has previously served as an assistant captain on two occasions, filling the position for Jim Furyk in 2018 in Paris and then for Stricker in the USA's success 19-9 at Whistling Straits last year, and took to social media to express his pride at being chosen to lead the team this time around.

"To accept this captaincy, to lead this United States Ryder Cup Team abroad - after what we accomplished last year at Whistling Straits - is simply the greatest honour of my professional career," Johnson said

"As exciting as this is for both my family and me, it is equally sobering to understand the scope of our challenge in Rome, as we have not won on the road in three decades.

"To win, we will have to outplay a European Team that will have both ample talent and motivation on their side. I am anxious to dig in and begin the process of putting our team in the best possible position to succeed."

The United States have not won the Ryder Cup on European soil since 1993, but stormed to a record victory at Whistling Straits last year, with all 12 of their team ranked inside the world's top 21 at the time.

Johnson will, however, have the experience of Stricker to benefit from after the victorious skipper from 2021 agreed to serve as his vice-captain as Team USA go in search of their first back-to-back success