Who Will Be Ryder Cup Captain For Europe?

Weeks after the Americans announced their Ryder Cup Captain for the 2010; it seems that Europeans have finally come to a decision about who they want to represent them next year.

Back in December, Corey Pavin was announced as the USA captain for the 2010 Ryder Cup where they will be defending their title on European soil.

Originally, the captain was supposed to be announced on Tuesday, but the European team wanted more time to decide who they want as captain and an announcement is due on Jan. 29. This was after four hours of non-stop negotiations between the committee, based in Abu Dhabi due to the European Tour being in the region for the next few weeks.

The current favourites to replace Nick Faldo are Welshman and former captain, Ian Woosnam, Spaniard Jose Maria Olozabal, and Scotsman Sandy Lyle.  All are former major winners and would do the job well in my opinion.

Since the tournament is being hosted in Wales' Celtic Manor, I make Ian Woosnam the favourite but bookies are making Spaniard Olazabal the favourite for the position.  The original favourite months ago was Sandy Lyle, but due to his actions at the Open is probably out of the running.

Many people within the sport have had a say on the position for the Ryder Cup Captaincy.

Three-time major winner, Padraig Harrington has had a say on the matter:

"I think Jose is going to do a great job when it comes around to him being captain and there's no doubt everybody is looking forward to him being captain," said Harrington.

"But the fact that he's thrown in there is confusing the issue for Sandy, maybe.”

"Sandy has been a stalwart in Europe for a long number of years and in many ways deserves the Ryder Cup captaincy.”

"Maybe because he's a reasonably quiet individual and hasn't lobbied so much in the past and maybe because he's drifted away, purely due to age, from the younger players on tour.”

"But certainly if it was a few years ago I don't think we'd be having this discussion, Sandy Lyle would probably be the Ryder Cup captain."

Sam Torrance has given his opinion to the committee:

"I like Ian Woosnam.  Woosie did it in Ireland, but this is Wales.  I don't think anybody can bring the Welsh support like Ian could.” 

However, various golfers and pundits alike have stated that Olazabal would rather try and get into the team and captain the squad later on in his career.

Well whoever it is, I feel all three candidates can offer something positive to the European team, which will be a lot more prepared this time round to reclaim the greatest trophy for the greatest tournament in sport.