Paul should be a Major contender for Ryder job
PAUL LAWRIE is emerging as a dark horse in the running to be the next Ryder Cup captain.
Thomas Bjorn remains the big favourite to lead Europe in Paris in 2018. But it’s vital that there is another name in the discussion.
Padraig Harrington ruled himself out after his recent victory in Portugal, and age is probably against Miguel Angel Jimenez.
Lawrie, I imagine, wasn’t thinking about the job. But being vicecaptain to Darren Clarke at Hazeltine, and speaking to one or two people since, might have encouraged him to throw his hat into the ring.
I know Paul quite well and he is a very studious guy and a good listener.
He is popular with the rank-andfile, who appreciate the way he has helped so many through his foundation.
Paul only appeared in two Ryder Cups but played with distinction both times.
On his debut at Brookline in 1999, he hit the first shot of the match and had a winning record.
Then at Medinah in 2012, he had a pivotal 5&3 win over Brandt Snedeker in the Singles, which helped the famous comeback gather momentum.
That shows he could handle the pressure. Any prospective player would be impressed with that.
His big advantage comes as a former Open Champion. That elevates you above most of your peers.
As a Major winner, your views hold more sway and people instantly respect you.
If Paul was serious about wanting it, he would get my vote.
But the general consensus seems to be that, with the match taking place on the Continent, Europe should go for a Continental captain. That points to Bjorn.
He’s played in three Ryder Cups and been a vice-captain in four others, as well as being the Chairman of the European Tour’s Tournament Committee.
That is an influential position and he has always been a passionate supporter of golf in Europe.
He has more wins than Lawrie. But he would swap all of those for Paul’s one Claret Jug.
The one question mark I have over Bjorn is his temperament.
The Dane is very fiery and that has helped his golf at times. But it’s not ideal for captaincy.
That contrasts with Paul, who’s very even-tempered and you never see him too upset.
The captain will be picked by a five-man panel comprising Clarke, Jose Maria Olazabal, Paul McGinley, players’ rep Henrik Stenson and Chief Executive Keith Pelley. But we need a swift decision.
There are pressing issues to deal with for the new captain as there will have to be a debate about the qualifying process.
Rory McIlroy made a good point about Paul Casey’s eligibility. It’s vital that the views of our best player are taken into account.
That won’t be easy to get past some of the diehards out on Tour, so talks are needed.
With it being the first Ryder Cup in France, the new captain is also needed to spearhead campaigns to promote the match.