America’s Ryder Cup Task Force has surprised many observers by picking Davis Love III to captain its team for the 41st matches at Hazeltine in 2016.
The 50 year old led the US to a famous defeat at Medinah in 2012, and it was widely expected that either Paul Azinger, who was in charge of a winning team in 2008, or Fred Couples, who has captained the US Presidents Cup team so successfully, would more likely candidates for the role.
However, Love was the unanimous recommendation of the Task Force, and he becomes the eighth person to have led the US team more than once.
The PGA also announced changes to the captain’s selection process, along with the qualifying system for U.S. players and new leadership for future Ryder Cups. The Ryder Cup Task Force has been dissolved, with a newly-designated PGA of America Ryder Cup Committee responsible for identifying future captains and vice-captains and consulting on a wide array of matters related to the Ryder Cup.
“I am thrilled to be the Team USA captain and represent our country as we work to win back the Ryder Cup,” said Love. “It is a great honour to be in the position to help build the team, but our mission doesn’t end there. What we accomplish in 2016 at Hazeltine must serve as the foundation for future US Ryder Cup teams.”
Love’s first move as captain was to appoint former Ryder Cup captain Tom Lehman as one of his vice-captains, with others expected to be announced later.
The 41st Ryder Cup is being held at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Minnesota from September 30–October 2, 2016.