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• Clarke named his three vice captains in Wentworth press conference
• Lawrie, Bjorn and Harrington all chosen
• Two more vice captains to be selected at a later date

Ryder Cup | Vice Captains

Paul Lawrie has been named as one of three vice-captains to assist Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke at Hazeltine National Golf Club in September.

Paul Lawrie, who is joined as a vice captain by Thomas Bjorn and Padraig Harrington, has made two appearances in the Ryder Cup as a player and will now be part of the background team for the first time.

After the announcement, the Aberdeen man said: “It’s going to be a great honour to take on this role on US soil at Hazeltine. Having played in two Ryder Cups, both in America, I would hope to draw on those experiences and offer some advice and guidance to the European team, and continue the momentum to retain the Ryder Cup.

“Darren will be a fantastic leader, and it’s going to be a privilege to be part of his backroom team, alongside Thomas and Padraig.”

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Speaking at the press conference during the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, Clarke explained his delight all three had accepted his invitation.

“They needed no persuading,” he said: “The three bring a wealth of experience and knowledge and their input will be invaluable to Europe’s cause. I could not have asked for anybody better to be standing shoulder to shoulder with me in the bid to bring the Ryder Cup home.

“Paul is a highly respected major championship winner and knows exactly what it will take to reach our intended destination. His calm, considered approach and strength of character will be of immense value.”

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For Bjorn and Harrington, signals a return to a role in which they have both experienced success.  Bjorn has been on the winning side Ryder Cup side three times as a player and three times as a vice captain, while Harrington won the trophy in four of his six appearances as a player before making his backroom team debut during the victory at Gleneagles in 2014.

Harrington echoed Lawrie’s sentiments and added: “I found it really interesting and rewarding helping out Paul and the team at Gleneagles in 2014 and seeing the Ryder Cup from such a different angle.

“I think I learned a lot from the experience and also from the matches I’ve played in, so I hope I will be able to be of some help to Darren and the players.”

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Bjorn concluded: ”It is an honour to be a member of the European Ryder Cup team campaign in any capacity and I very much look forward to playing a part in Darren’s team at Hazeltine.”

The remaining two vice captains, who will complete the backroom team for the 2016 match, will be named at a later date.

Ryder Cup :: What do you make of Clarke’s appointments?

Do you agree with Darren Clarke’s decision? Who would you choose for the two remaining vice captain places? Let us know in the ‘Comments’ section below.

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