US SKIPPER STRICKER VOWS TO COME OUT FIGHTING

STEVE STRICKER has promised to belie his gentle, soft-spoken image after being confirmed as US Ryder Cup captain for the 2020 edition taking place in his home state of Wisconsin at Whistling Straits. ‘Some people don’t think I’m fiery but deep down I’m very competitive and we want to win this cup back more than ever,’ declared the 51-year-old (left), who was close to tears during an emotional press conference. Stricker becomes the first US captain in Ryder Cup history not to have won a major championship. Europe captain Padraig Harrington has won three. Stricker does not have much of a Ryder Cup record either, having been a member of one winning team in 2008 and two defeated sides in 2010 and 2012, where he lost all four of his matches at Medinah. He is one of the most popular players on tour, however, and ought to have no trouble getting the team pulling in the same direction — a considerable plus following the Paris debacle last September, where what was supposed to be the most talented American side ever bickered and lost by a staggering seven points.