Just as predicted by www.golfbytourmiss.com, European Captain José María Olazábal has named Thomas Björn, Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley as three of his four Vice Captains for the 2012 Ryder Cup match against the USA at Medinah Country Club, Chicago, Illinois, from September 28-30.
Björn, Clarke and McGinley have between them played in ten Ryder Cups, with no fewer than nine wins to their credit, and together represent an accomplished and knowledgeable ‘Backroom Team’ after working together for The European Team when the Cup was regained at the Celtic Manor Resort, Wales, in 2010.
Thomas Bjorn, Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley named as 2012 Ryder Cup vice-captains. (Photo - www.europeantour.com)
Olazábal, who played in seven Ryder Cup matches between 1987 and 2006 and was a Vice Captain in 2008 and 2010, said: “I could not be more delighted than to have Thomas, Darren and Paul as Vice Captains especially as we bonded so well supporting Colin Montgomerie in 2010. All three are world class golfers with tremendous experience of playing in The Ryder Cup which is absolutely invaluable.
“For me to have these guys – all such great friends – by my side is fantastic. I know like me they will now be counting down the days to to Medinah with one aim – to return home with the Cup.
“Thomas, Darren and Paul share a special spirit and love for the game and they have the respect and admiration of everyone in golf. Their passion, commitment and desire to win will encourage everyone in the team room and for me it is so important to have guys you know, guys you trust, guys familiar with this contest because The Ryder Cup is unique.
“My own experiences as a Vice Captain in 2008 and 2010 taught me that you need a lot of help that week. You need eyes, extra eyes to follow the players in the practice rounds to gather as much information as you can about how everyone is playing.
“Then it is important to have each match watched because you have to hand in your pairings for the afternoon matches when the players are still out on the course. That means it is essential to have all the information you can get before you put those pairings down on paper – my Vice Captains will make sure that is the case and I will name the fourth one at the August 27 Conference when I announce my two picks.
“This Ryder Cup, like s
