Olazabal in the hot seat for 2012

Respected Spaniard to skipper Europe for Medinah Ryder Cup bid

Jose Maria Olazabal will lead Europe’s defence of the Ryder Cup next year after being named as captain by the European Tour’s Tournament Committee.

The Spaniard was the out-and-out favourite to succeed Colin Montgomerie at Medinah having received unanimous backing from his fellow professionals.

In fact, once Olazabal admitted he would accept the role if offered it, despite ongoing problems with rheumatoid arthritis, there was only one man in the running.

“The two Masters wins at Augusta are the highlight of my playing career but this is my proudest moment,” said the 44-year-old on receiving the captaincy.

“Golf has been my life and representing Europe in the Ryder Cup has given me so much enjoyment. So, to be named European Ryder Cup captain is something very special and I am looking forward to the next 20 months before we reach Medinah.”

As a player, Olazabal appeared in seven Ryder Cup encounters against America, amassing 20.5 points from 31 matches.

His partnership with Seve Ballesteros is regarded as one of the finest in the history of the transatlantic battle. They teamed-up for 15 consecutive foursome and fourball matches between 1987 and 1993, gaining 12 points in the process.

Off-course, Olazabal was named as a vice-captain by 2008 captain Nick Faldo and was drafted in at the last minute by Colin Montgomeire when inclement weather threatened to reek havoc at Celtic Manor last October.

These duties, he believes, will reap rewards when the time comes to preside over Europe as the man in command.

“It was a wonderful experience to be involved as a vice-captain with Nick Faldo in 2008 and then again with Colin Montgomerie when we regained the cup at Celtic Manor last year,” he added.

“I’ve learned a lot along the way and, linked to my own experiences, I look forward to drawing on all that knowledge with the aim, of course, of keeping the cup in our possession.”

After the announcement, Olazabal quickly received player backing, with world No.1 Lee Westwood one of the first to praise his selection.

“He will bring leadership, experience and passion, and is going to be fantastic,” said the Englishman.

“Jose Maria has been a great Ryder Cup player and when he was involved with the vice-captaincy at Valhalla and at Celtic Manor he was superb.

“When Jose Maria conducts a team talk of motivational talk, everyone listens.”

America is expected to name its captain for 2012 this week.

Bryce Ritchie is the Editor of bunkered and, in addition to leading on content and strategy, oversees all aspects of the brand. The first full-time journalist employed by bunkered, he joined the company in 2001 and has been editor since 2009. A member of Balfron Golfing Society, he currently plays off nine and once got a lesson from Justin Thomas’ dad.

Editor of bunkered