Rose backs captain Bjorn

– Olympic champion Justin Rose said yesterday Europe’s newly-appointed 2018 Ryder Cup captain Thomas Bjorn was “well-qualified” for the role – but said the French crowd may not be as partisan as the Americans.

Paris will host the next Ryder Cup with the 45-year-old Dane, who served as vice-captain for four previous Ryder Cups, succeeding Northern Ireland’s Darren Clarke.

“He’s going to have a very hands-on approach with the players,” said Rose, part of this year’s European team who lost 17-11 to the United States at Hazeltine in a one-sided defeat.

“He’s been involved in the last few Ryder Cups as a vice captain and I think you probably learn more about being a captain as a vice captain then you do playing.

‘‘I’m sure he’s picked up a lot of tips along the way, and he’ll certainly be a very qualified captain.”

Bjorn, Denmark’s most successful golfer, played in three Ryder Cups, finishing on the winning side in 1997, 2002 and 2014.

Rose cautioned the French crowd in 2018 may not be so vociferous as the Americans at Hazeltine. – AFP