Lyle keen on captaincy role
Two-time Major winner Sandy Lyle has expressed his desire to captain the European Ryder Cup team in 2010.
The Scot is hoping to succeed Nick Faldo as continental captain when the contest comes to Celtic Manor in Wales in two years’ time.
The 50-year-old, who has put his name forward, is also keen to take up a position under Faldo at this year’s competition in Valhalla.
A vice-captain’s role is currently available following Irishman Paul McGinley’s decision to concentrate on playing, which left Jose Maria Olazabal as the only deputy.
Lyle, who was an assistant to Ian Woosnam at the last Ryder Cup two years ago, is well qualified to step into the breach, but he has not yet been approached.
Lyle told PA Sport: “It would be helpful – it also would keep me involved with the team for future Ryder Cup stuff.
“Of course I’m interested in the captaincy. I’ve got my name down on the list and I’ve got a very, very good chance of picking that up and to be involved as a deputy or vice-captain would be very much appreciated.”
The 50-year-old, who made his senior debut in the Challenge Tour at Newport Beach earlier this month, is confident his vast experience in the States could benefit the 2008 continental team.
“I’ve obviously been to America many times so I know the American ways,” added Lyle, who was at the Ballantine’s Championship in South Korea in an ambassadorial role last week.
“But it’s not sure who’s doing what right now. We know a vice-captain has already been selected, which is Olazabal, but as far as anything else has gone nothing has been mentioned.”
If Lyle, the first British winner of The Masters in Augusta, were to land the captaincy for the competition in two-and-a-half years’ time, he would become the fifth of Europe’s golden generation to be appointed, following in the footsteps of Seve Ballesteros, Bernhard Langer, Woosnam and Faldo.
“I think it’s the sort of thing that’s only offered to certain people who other players respect,” Lyle added.
“A lot of the players who have been captains are known on the first tee or known in a meeting or at a party as a captain of the Ryder Cup team – a Major winner and a captain – it’s a prestige thing.
“It would be a very nice reward to have if it arises.
“Not many people have had the opportunity to be a Ryder Cup captain and when the opportunity arises it’s worth taking the chance.”
