Sam Torrance added to Darren Clarke's European Ryder Cup team
By Andy Charles
Last Updated: 27/07/16 9:05pm
Sam Torrance has been named as Darren Clarke's fifth and final vice captain for the 2016 Ryder Cup at Hazeltine.
The 62-year-old has a wealth of experience in the event, having played in eight editions as well as captaining the winning side at the Belfry in 2002.
Torrance has been signed up for a third stint as vice captain, having been part of Mark James' team in 1999 at Brookline and again two years ago when Paul McGinley's team was successful at Gleneagles.
Thomas Bjorn, Padraig Harrington, Paul Lawrie and Ian Poulter are Clarke's other four vice captains.
Torrance said: "It goes without saying that I am very proud to be part of the backroom team for the 2016 Ryder Cup. It is a tremendous honour and as soon as Darren asked me, I had no hesitation in saying yes.
"I have known Darren for many years and have great respect for him and all that he has achieved in the game.
"I think you can see in all the hard work and attention to detail he has put in already that he will be a great captain and he knows he can count on me to be of service to the team in any way I can.
"Obviously the Ryder Cup has been hugely important to me in my career, both as a player and a captain, and I am therefore really looking forward to adding another chapter to the story at Hazeltine."
Clarke added: "There is nothing in terms of the Ryder Cup that he hasn't seen, done, or been part of since he first played in the contest 35 years ago and I know that experience will be vital to everyone involved with Team Europe this time round.
"I have tremendous respect for Sam as a person and in terms of the Ryder Cup, he was a fantastic captain in 2002.
"I cannot speak highly enough of the way he guided myself and the entire team that year in what were difficult circumstances after the 2001 contest was postponed. I know he will bring that same knowledge and guile again this time round."
