Padraig Harrington will lead Europe into the next Ryder Cup. The Dubliner has been confirmed as European captain for the 43rd edition of the tournament.
The 47-year-old will lead the visiting team as they defend their title against the US at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin in September next year.
Harrington is the third Irish golfer to hold the role since 2014. A remarkable achievement considering there wasn't an Irish captain between 1927 and 2014.
He follows in the footsteps of Paul McGinley and Darren Clarke.
It's official. #Harrington2020 #TeamEurope pic.twitter.com/qbxxOVkzAc
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) January 8, 2019
The three time major winner is determined to get the best out of the team:
“The players want continuity, it makes my job easier that I have their confidence, they’ve spoken to me publicly and privately. I have to be a confident captain as much as I need 12 confident players."
"It is a tremendous honour to be named Ryder Cup Captain and I am relishing the next 20 months as we work towards Whistling Straits and Europe's defense of the trophy.
"I have played under, and been involved with, many wonderful European captains since I made my debut in the contest 20 years ago and I would like to think that my captaincy will be a mix of all of them. I am very much looking forward to taking on this role."
