Wednesday 11 January 2017 18:54, UK
Thomas Bjorn is looking forward to taking on American counterpart Jim Furyk after he was confirmed as the US Ryder Cup captain for 2018.
Bjorn was unveiled as Darren Clarke's successor as European captain last month, and the PGA of America have entrusted Furyk with the responsibility of masterminding a first American win in Europe since 1993.
Furyk becomes Team USA's most-capped captain having featured in nine contests as a player, although his record of 20 defeats from 34 matches leaves him tied with Phil Mickelson for the most losses in the competition.
Both veterans were vice-captains at Hazeltine National last year as the American's cruised to a comfortable 17-11 victory under Davis Love III, who was immediately appointed as an assistant captain to Furyk for the 2018 renewal in France.
"I am delighted to offer my congratulations to Jim Furyk on being appointed captain of the United States Ryder Cup team for 2018," said Bjorn.
"I have known Jim for many years and as well as being a worthy opponent and a tremendous competitor, I know he shares my passion for the Ryder Cup which ensures it will be a fantastic contest when our respective teams meet at Le Golf National in 20 months' time."
After being introduced by the PGA of America in Florida, Furyk said of Bjorn: "He is a friend of mine. We had a long chat about the Ryder Cup as we walked six or seven holes at Hazeltine. He asked me if I would like to be the next captain, and he was hoping to get the nod on his side.
"Thomas is someone I look forward to sharing this process with in a friendly manner. I'm sure he will be a great leader and his team will be strong. They are not going to be happy about the results at Hazeltine and, as always, the European crowd will be out in full force. They are loud and boisterous, but they are great fans.
"The whole atmosphere in Paris is going to provide a very difficult challenge for Team USA, and we haven't won on foreign soil since 1993. We've got our work cut out, but I'm looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting started."
