Steve Stricker to captain Team USA at 2020 Ryder Cup
Former world number two Steve Stricker will captain the 2020 United States Ryder Cup team, the PGA of America have confirmed.
Stricker, 51, was clear favourite to succeed Jim Furyk as captain for the biennial event against Europe, which will next be played at Whistling Straits in his home state of Wisconsin.
A 12-times winner on the PGA Tour, Stricker captained the victorious US team at the 2017 Presidents Cup and served as one of Furyk’s vice captains at last year’s Ryder Cup in Paris where the US team suffered a crushing defeat.
As a player, Stricker logged three Ryder Cup appearances. He was on the winning team in 2008 before defeats in 2010 and 2012. His Ryder Cup record is three wins, seven losses and one half.
The European Ryder Cup team named Dubliner Padraig Harrington as their captain in January.
An emotional Stricker was close to tears as he told a press conference what it means to him to be handed the task of regaining the trophy.
“Truly a dream come true, an honour to represent the PGA, the competition itself, truly humbled by this opportunity because I’m very passionate about this competition,” Stricker said.
“Some people don’t think I’m very fiery about playing the game of golf but deep down I’m very competitive, we want to win this more than ever and I’m here to help in any way.”
Stricker said communication with his players would be a key part of his strategy.
He said: “My biggest thing is I want to make sure all the players that make the team know what to expect from me and what I expect from them.
“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.
“I think Whistling Straits is a great course for this competition. There are holes that are legitimate birdie holes and holes where you’ve got to suck it up and pars are going to be good. That’s going to lend itself to a good match-play course.”
