Wentworth, Surrey …

Thomas Bjorn’s five Versailles vice-captains, inlcuding the Irish duo of Graeme McDowell and Padraig Harrington, have singled out the sometimes volatile Dane in glowing terms after confirmation of Bjorn’s Ryder Cup back-room team.

Bjorn, who had announced Swede Robert Karlsson a year ago, has added  Harrington, McDowell along with the England and former World No. 1 duo of Lee Westwood and Luke Donal to his ‘back-room’ team he will take to France later his year.

LEE WESTWOOD:  Strong from what I’ve seen so far.  He’s very strong.  When Thomas talks, everybody listens.  That’s what a captain is about.

GRAEME McDOWELL:  Thomas speaks the truth. Thomas listens to what people have to say, and he’s very calculated in his decision‑making process.  There’s no one that personifies the DNA of The European Tour like Thomas.  He’s been a committed player here on this side of the water for many, many years, and hugely respected by the players and by everyone involved.

PÁDRAIG HARRINGTON:  Committed, as it tends to be with European captains.  Thomas has pretty much given up his golfing career for this over the last 18 months, another four months to go, and as vice captains, we can see the level of work he’s put in behind the scenes.  So, committed, and very passionate about it.

LUKE DONALD:  Yeah, I’ve obviously had Thomas as a vice captain in past teams I’ve played and just always enjoyed his spirit and his general love for The Ryder Cup and I think that’s already showed in some of the team talks we’ve had and some of the conversations I’ve had over the past month or so.  But I have full faith in Thomas and his ability to be a very good and leading captain.

ROBERT KARLSSON:  Being around Thomas for about a year, he’s very passionate and he’s looking into every detail and really trying to find a formula how to bring the team together.  So passionate and very well organized.