Friday 27 May 2016 18:19, UK
Padraig Harrington, Paul Lawrie and Thomas Bjorn have been appointed as assistant captains to Darren Clarke for this year's Ryder Cup.
Harrington was a member of Paul McGinley's backroom team for Europe's comfortable victory at Gleneagles in 2014, while Bjorn has taken on the role three times before, under Bernhard Langer in 2004, Colin Montgomerie in 2012 and Jose Maria Olazabal in 2012.
Lawrie played a key role on the team in the Miracle at Medinah and made his only other Ryder Cup appearance in the controversial "Battle of Brookline" in 1999.
Harrington has made the most appearances of the three as a player and helped Europe to victory in four of his six Ryder Cups, while Bjorn was on the winning side in all three of his appearances.
Clarke believes their "wealth of experience and knowledge" will be an invaluable asset this autumn as Europe bid for an unprecedented fourth consecutive victory in the contest.
Ahead of a press conference during the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, Clarke said: "I was delighted when Thomas, Padraig and Paul all accepted the invitation to become Ryder Cup vice-captains. They needed no persuading.
"The three bring a wealth of experience and knowledge and their input will be invaluable to Europe's cause. I could not have asked for anybody better to be standing shoulder to shoulder with me in the bid to bring the Ryder Cup home.
"I have known and been close to Thomas for many years and I know just how passionate he is about team golf's greatest competition. He has had a major influence already both on and off the course at previous Ryder Cups, and I know that will continue at Hazeltine.
"Padraig's outstanding career has included three major championship successes, and his presence in the team room will bring a big confidence factor to Europe's 12 representatives.
"Paul is a highly respected major championship winner and knows exactly what it will take to reach our intended destination. His calm, considered approach and strength of character will be of immense value."
Clarke has confirmed he will add two more vice-captains to his backroom team later this summer.
