Lyle eyes Ryder Cup captain's role
Two-time major winner Sandy Lyle has staked his claim to be Ryder Cup captain in 2010.
The 48-year-old Scot, who won the 1985 Open at Royal St George’s and the 1988 Masters, was assistant to Ian Woosnam in last month’s convincing victory over the USA at the K Club.
But with Nick Faldo already in place for Europe’s defence at Valhalla, Kentucky, in two years, Lyle knows his chances of leading the team are limited - especially with Colin Montgomerie already being touted as a potential captain when the Ryder Cup comes to Celtic Manor in Wales.
“I don’t have that 10 or 15 years of waiting,” Lyle, who played in five Ryder Cups, told The Guardian.
“I’ve only got a window of the next six years at most. What looks good timing would be 2010 at the Celtic Manor in Wales. That is the one I would be lobbying for.
“Most of my era have already been Ryder Cup captains. There’s not many of us left so I think I’ve got a good chance.
“If the quality of your character works in a team and you can front the Ryder Cup as a captain, speak well and work well with the team, that’s half the battle.”
