Great Dane Thomas should be the next Ryder Cup skipper, says Soren
IT is looking increasingly likely that Thomas Bjorn is going to be Europe’s next Ryder Cup captain.
With Padraig Harrington winning last Sunday in Portugal and Miguel Angel Jimenez now spending more time on the Champions Tour in America, it looks like a clear run for Bjorn.
The 45-year-old Dane could even be in the job before the end of the year, which would please fellow countryman, Soren Kjeldsen.
“Thomas has put in all the work as our chairman of the players’ committee and being a vice-captain so many times,” says Kjeldsen.
“He has put himself in a very strong position and I think he would make a very good captain.
“Obviously with him being a fellow Dane, I would love to see him get the job. It would be great for golf in our country as it creates huge interest.
“Thomas has had a stellar career and the European Tour has always been very close to his heart, so in that respect, he’d be the perfect fit.”
Bjorn would be the first man from Denmark to be captain but Kjeldsen is determined to ensure there will be a Danish presence amongst the 12-man team.
After a few years in the doldrums, Kjeldsen bounced back with victory at the Irish Open in
May, 2015, just a fortnight after turning 40.
Since then, he’s had 13 more top-10 finishes, including at this year’s US Masters and The Open. But he finished a couple of places outside the automatic spots for Hazeltine.
He was then overlooked for a wildcard pick as Darren Clarke went for experience in Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer.
But Kjeldsen’s convinced that if he can maintain the form he’s found in his 40s, there is no reason why he can’t grab a ticket for Paris in 2018 playing under Bjorn.
“Last year was such a standout year for me after having some tough times, so it was going to be difficult to keep that going,” he reflects.
“But I’m pleased how I have followed it up. Finishing top 10 in two Majors was big and my consistency has been good.
“I was right in there for the Ryder Cup and I felt I had to win in Denmark in that last event, which Thomas Pieters did. I was disappointed not to make it but I was pleased I was in the mix.
“I still feel 2018 is a realistic goal. Le Golf National would suit me a lot better than Hazeltine would have done.
“That has always been one of my favourite courses and I’d love to make that team.
“Of course, the competition will be fierce, but I’ve been playing well. Hopefully I can keep that form going for a couple more years.”