GOLF: Furyk honoured to be named US Ryder Cup captain

The PGA of America announced that the 46-year-old, a veteran of nine playing appearances, will succeed Davis Love as the US seek to defend the trophy they won at Hazeltine last October.

Fred Couples was also a leadership contender for the match at Le Golf National near Paris but Furyk, a vice-captain to Love last year, was the preferred choice of the US Ryder Cup committee.

The 2003 US Open champion boasts plenty of Ryder Cup experience. His nine appearances came in succession from 1997-2014 and he was seriously considered for a wildcard by Love at Hazeltine.

Furyk was ultimately overlooked for a playing role but remained on the team as one of Love’s assistants as the US won for the first time since 2008.

“This is such an honour. I’m actually a little overwhelmed,” said Furyk.

“It’s been my favourite event my entire career. In my opinion the Ryder Cup embodies everything that is special about golf.

“It has the team work, the camaraderie, the competition, the passion, it brings fans together from worldwide. I just get chills thinking about all the events I’ve been able to participate in and now to sit here as the captain for 2018 is such an honour.”

And in a role reversal from Hazeltine, Love will serve as one of Furyk’s vice-captains in France.

“I remember sitting in the room and knowing in my heart Davis was the best person to lead in 2016,” added Furyk, “He is going to be a very tough act to follow. Davis put a system in place and got the players behind it. It won’t make my task easy but it’s comforting knowing there is a system in place.”