Watson named Ryder Cup skipper

Last updated: 13th December 2012

Tom Watson has been named as US Ryder Cup captain for the 2014 competition at Gleneagles.

The 63-year-old succeeds Davis Love III and will be the oldest American captain in the competition's history.

It is the second time that Watson has been given the job, having led the US to victory at The Belfry in 1993 - the last time the Europeans lost on home soil.

Watson made his interest in the role known after the Australian Open last weekend. Apart from his previous captaincy stint, he played in four Ryder Cup competitions between 1977 and 1989 and won nine out of his 14 matches.

"I think we've done something a little bit different," PGA president Ted Bishop said in making the announcement.

"The role of the PGA of America in naming a Ryder Cup captain should not be to name somebody to reward them for their previous playing experiences."

The USA have not won overseas since Watson's last captaincy stint, and Bishop expressed the frustration of having lost five of the last six Ryder Cup tournaments.

"We need to look for captains that are going to put our team in the best position to win it," he said. "We're tired of losing. And whether it's him (Watson) or it's somebody else, that's what our mission is."

Former world number one Tiger Woods offered his congratulations to Watson, expressing his hope of being part of USA's team in 2014.

"I'd like to congratulate Tom Watson on his selection as Ryder Cup captain," said Woods. "I think he's a really good choice. Tom knows what it takes to win, and that's our ultimate goal. I hope I have the privilege of joining him on the 2014 United States Team."