Tuesday 22 May 2018 18:52, UK
Lee Westwood, Padraig Harrington, Graeme McDowell and Luke Donald have been appointed as vice-captains to Thomas Bjorn for this year’s Ryder Cup.
The experienced quartet join Robert Karlsson as part of Bjorn's backroom team for the biennial contest at Le Golf National, where Europe bid to reclaim the trophy after losing 17-11 at Hazeltine in 2016.
"I am delighted not only to make this announcement today but also in the knowledge that I will have people of the calibre of Luke, Padraig, Robert, Graeme, Lee alongside me at Le Golf National," Bjorn said.
"All five are widely respected throughout the game, are all current players who are well known to the players who will be in our team come September."
Westwood has made 10 consecutive appearances as a player since making his debut in 1997, the only other time the tournament has been held in continental Europe, while Harrington returns to the role he previously held for both Paul McGinley at Gleneagles and Darren Clarke two years ago.
McDowell has featured in four Ryder Cup teams and secured the winning point for Team Europe at Celtic Manor in 2010, while Donald finished on the winning team in all four of his playing appearances.
"You only need to look at the record books to see that their Ryder Cup pedigree speaks for itself," Bjorn added. "Each of them has played both home and away so they are well versed in the contest and know how to handle the special and unique atmosphere.
"They all possess strong personalities but each of them will also bring something different to the team, giving us great balance. They have forthright opinions which is vital under the spotlight of a Ryder Cup week and is something which can only help our cause as we try and regain the trophy."