Early in November of 2004, the United States chose Tom Lehman as its captain for the 2006 Ryder Cup. The European team has taken a bit longer to choose its leader for the 2006 campaign. Ryder Cup super-star Colin Montgomerie decided he’s not done trouncing American opponents and withdrew his name from consideration. This left three possible choices: Ian Woosnam, Nick Faldo, and Bernhard Langer. Better make that two. Now it appears Langer has decided he’s going to step aside and allow someone else to fill the position. Although Langer removed himself from the captain’s seat, he still has ambitions of being in Ireland saying, “I have every intention of being a playing member of the 2006 European team.” This comes as bittersweet news to American golf fans considering Langer’s 10 Ryder Cup appearances and 21-15-6 cumulative record.
So who will replace Langer? Most “insiders” have earmarked Ian Woosnam over Nick Faldo. Woosnam definitely has the experience required for the job. He’s played on eight Ryder Cups and was Sam Torrence’s Vice-Captain in 2002. If Woosnam is chosen, any European criticisms of Lehman’s edicate at the 1999 Ryder Cup are likely to be countered since Woosnam has had past run-ins with the law. In December 2003, he was held in Jersey for intoxication and six months later was involved in a disturbance at a bar which may have cost him the 2004 captaincy. Whatever the European Tour tournament commitee’s decision is, expect an announcement on March 2.
Photo Credit: BBV-Net