Sign up for our daily newsletter

Latest news, reviews, analysis and opinion, plus unmissable deals for bunkered subscriptions, events, and our commercial partners.

Henrik Stenson has chosen his first vice-captain for the 2023 Ryder Cup: winning 2018 skipper Thomas Bjorn.

The Dane is a veteran of eight matches; three as a player and four as a vice-captain before leading Europe to victory at Le Golf National.

Stenson played under Bjorn four years ago in Paris and has made him his first selection since taking the top job in March.

“I have known Thomas for my whole career,” said Stenson.

• Bob MacIntyre reveals Rory McIlroy friendship

• Norman blasts PGA Tour over LIV releases

“I trust him implicitly and I know any advice he will give me will be honest and direct. He will not simply tell me what he thinks I want to hear and that will be important, so I’m delighted to have him as my first vice-captain for Rome.

“Since the match itself is still over a year away, I know I am going to have a lot of conversations with him about all elements of the Ryder Cup from his experience, both as a vice-captain on previous occasions but also, obviously, as the captain in 2018 when we had a great result. I will be depending on him a lot and I’m really looking forward to those chats.

“He was very happy when I asked him. He was very honoured to be asked and happy to be part of Team Europe again and part of the journey with the players.”

Bjorn was part of winning teams as a player in 1997, 2002 and 2014, and deputised in 2004, 2010, 2012 and 2016.

“I’m delighted to be part of the whole Ryder Cup experience once again,” he said.

“I probably thought that after 2018 that was it for me, but Henrik called me to talk about captaincy in general and that led into him asking me if I wanted to do another stint as vice-captain, which I agreed to. I’m excited to work with him.

• Bob MacIntyre makes huge Scottish Open claim

• Scheffler in for Scottish Open

“I think I can help Henrik outline what he wants to do with his captaincy going forwards. I can keep asking him the right questions and reminding him of things that are going to come his way that he might not have thought about. I will help him prepare in the best possible way and as we get closer to the match, to be an additional support to the players.

“I think Henrik will be a fantastic captain. He is so well respected by players and by everyone in the game. He is a very hard-working golfer and somebody who is true to himself, and his team will represent that. He has a great sense of humour that the players will take to, and he is very well liked across the whole Tour, not just the top where he has played his golf for so many years.”

More Reads

Image Turnberry green

The bunkered Golf Course Guide - Scotland

Now, with bunkered, you can discover the golf courses Scotland has to offer. Trust us, you will not be disappointed.

Find Courses