Jim Furyk confirmed as USA captain for the 2018 Ryder Cup in France
Thursday 12 January 2017 07:32, UK
Jim Furyk has been named as the USA captain for the 2018 Ryder Cup at Le Golf National.
The 46-year-old succeeds Davis Love III, who guided the USA to a 17-11 victory at Hazeltine last autumn.
Furyk featured in nine consecutive Ryder Cups as a player between 1997 and 2014, before acting as one of Love's five vice-captains in Minnesota.
The US Ryder Cup committee, which included Love as well as Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, have left Furyk the challenge of trying to claim a first American win on away soil since they last defended the trophy in 1993.
"I would like to thank Davis [Love III] and the PGA of America Ryder Cup Committee for their faith in me and my selection as United States Ryder Cup Captain," Furyk said.
"I've said many times that the Ryder Cup is part of my DNA, so this opportunity was a privilege and honor to accept. This is a special moment for my family."
The former US Open champion has immediately named Love as one of his vice-captains, who played in six Ryder Cups as well as his two spells in charge of the American side.
Furyk's main rival for the role was five-time Ryder Cup player and three-time Presidents Cup captain Fred Couples, who was also overlooked for the captaincy in 2016.
The announcement was made by the PGA of America President Paul Levy, who is relishing the prospect of Furyk becoming the 28th US Captain in Ryder Cup history.
"For more than two decades, Jim Furyk has stood proud and tall on the American golf stage and we are thrilled to have him as our Ryder Cup Captain," Levy said.
"His accomplishments as a player are well known, but his inherent competitive spirit and leadership traits are what made his candidacy so attractive. Jim offers the total package and is well suited for the task at hand."
