Davis Love III to Be Named US Ryder Cup Captain: Latest Details and Reaction

Davis Love III has been named the captain for the United States Ryder Cup team for the 2016 competition.

Continue for updates.

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Love III Introduced As Ryder Cup Captain

Tuesday, Feb. 24

The PGA confirmed that Love III will serve as United States captain, via Twitter.

Golf Digest passed along comments from Love on the position:

Love III also revealed that Tom Lehman will serve as his first vice captain, via Golf.com.

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Love to Be Named Captain of United States Team

Monday, Feb. 16

The United States Ryder Cup team has chosen its next captain. Davis Love III will helm the 2016 American squad in the biennial competition against Europe at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota.    

Golf Channel's Jason Sobel relayed the news on Monday:

Love presided over the USA team that had a chance to steal the Ryder Cup from Europe in 2012 at Medinah.   

Holding a 10-6 points advantage entering the Sunday singles matches, a furious charge by the internationals culminated in Martin Kaymer's winning putt, allowing Europe to retain the Cup with a one-point win.

It was a devastating blow that the U.S. didn't appear to recover from before the 2014 competition at Gleneagles, which Europe took easily, 16.5-11.5. It triggered the assembly of an American task force to figure out how to better compete in future Ryder Cups.

Fox Sports' Robert Lusetich didn't quite agree with the choice of Love:

Justin Ray of Golf Channel noted how much of an integral factor Love has been for the USA Ryder Cup team over the years. Ray provided context for his return to captaincy:

Swagger and camaraderie have been lacking for the Americans, and they weren't on the same page when Love's predecessor, Tom Watson, was in charge in 2014.

The depth of talent between the U.S. and Europe has often been close, and the heated rivalry and atmosphere levels the playing field to a degree. What Love must do is ensure that the USA nails its captain's selections and make choices based on who will bring some new flavor and excitement to the team.

Since the Americans had Europe on the ropes the last time Love was captain, though, this selection by the PGA of America is a safe and logical one. It's up to Love to figure out what went wrong on Sunday the last time around so that the U.S. can work on regaining an edge.

Europe has claimed six of the past seven Ryder Cups and won three consecutive times. Some may argue that picking someone entirely new to lead the squad was in order, but Love's reign with the 2012 team was largely a success. Recapturing that magic and avoiding a repeat of the meltdown at Medinah should allow the U.S. to be more competitive than it was at Gleneagles.   

Note: Ryder Cup information courtesy of RyderCup.com.