Stricker named USA Ryder Cup captain

Steve Stricker will be hoping for home comforts when he captains the United States in the Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits.

Published : Feb 20, 2019 22:27 IST

United States Ryder Cup captain Steve Stricker
United States Ryder Cup captain Steve Stricker
lightbox-info

United States Ryder Cup captain Steve Stricker

Steve Stricker will captain the United States when the Ryder Cup is staged in his home state of Wisconsin in 2020.

Stricker was a vice-captain for a third time when the USA were beaten by Europe at Le Golf National last year and has landed the top job for the showpiece at Whistling Straits.

The 51-year-old, who lives just a couple of hours from the course for the 2020 event, will pit his wits against Europe captain Padraig Harrington after being confirmed as the successor to Jim Furyk, who he named as his first assistant on Wednesday.

Stricker also featured in the Ryder Cup three times as a player, winning the famous trophy on his debut in 2008 but losing the next two editions.

The 12-time winner on the PGA Tour captained his country in a 2017 Presidents Cup triumph and will be one of Tiger Woods' assistants in the 2019 competition in Melbourne in December.

Read: Shubhankar Sharma eyes another good show on return to WGC-Mexico

An emotional Stricker said at a media conference: "Thank you to the PGA and Ryder Cup Committee for giving me this opportunity.

"It's truly a dream come true and an honour. I'm truly humbled by this opportunity, because I'm very passionate about this.

"We want to win this more than ever."

It was announced that Stricker will make four captain's selections on September 1, 2020, following the Tour Championship.

Also Read: Tiger Woods wins Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award

Stricker, who is Team USA's 29th Ryder Cup captain, added: "While we were disappointed with the result in Paris, I am confident the setback will fuel our preparations for what will take place at Whistling Straits.

"Europe's talent will present a great challenge, but we will be focused on what we can accomplish together in 2020 in my home state, in front of a loyal legion of sports fans in Wisconsin. It's going to be a memorable week."

The biennial event will be staged from September 25-27.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment