Thomas Bjorn the 'right choice' for European Ryder Cup captain
Tuesday 6 December 2016 16:11, UK
Colin Montgomerie and Andrew Coltart have welcomed the appointment of Thomas Bjorn as European Ryder Cup captain for 2018 and described him as the right choice for the role.
Bjorn has a wealth of experience in the competition having made three appearances as a player, while he has also served as a vice-captain on four occasions.
His three playing appearances in 1997, 2002 and 2014 all resulted in European victories, and he was also part of the backroom team for further wins in 2004, 2010 and the Miracle at Medinah in 2012.
The 45-year-old, who is the most successful Dane on the European Tour with 15 career titles, finally tasted defeat in the contest as assistant captain to Darren Clarke at Hazeltine National earlier this year, but he was the unanimous choice of the selection panel to spearhead the bid to regain the trophy at Le Golf National.
"I think it's a really good decision," said Sky Sports commentator Coltart. "There were a couple of others possibly in the ring, but Thomas' commitment to the European Tour as chairman of the players' committee since 2007 and his wealth of Ryder Cup experience makes it the right time for him to step into the shoes of Darren Clarke.
"Thomas understands the Ryder Cup ethos and the dynamic nature of certain partnerships, characters that need to come together. He also understands that the Ryder Cup is all about patience.
"There is so much that goes on behind the scenes, and there's almost a game that gets played before the matches actually start. Thomas knows that's a game that has to be one outside of the golf course.
"He knows what it's about as a player and in the team room, talking to the captain and the other vice-captains and getting as much information as he possible can to put the best and strongest team out against the Americans."
Bjorn was vice-captain under Montgomerie when Europe regained the Ryder Cup in a thrilling contest at Celtic Manor in 2010, and the Scot remembers Bjorn as being "exceptional" in the role.
I saw first-hand what Thomas was like as a vice-captain under me in 2010, and he was exceptional
"Thomas was the obvious choice, and the right choice, to be captain in 2018," Montgomerie told Sky Sports News HQ. "I saw first-hand what he was like as a vice-captain in 2010, and he was exceptional. I used him possible more than any other vice-captain at Celtic Manor.
"He wears his heart on his sleeve and I think that's important for the role. I wouldn't be worried about his combustible and fiery nature, that is good in a way. I think you need that to beat the might of the Americans.
"We need to win the Ryder Cup back in France, and I feel we've got the best captain to do that."
