Furyk won’t rule out duel role
Jim Furyk says his "main focus" is being USA's Ryder Cup captain in 2018 but wouldn't rule out the possibility of combining a playing role with his other duties.
The Pennsylvania-born golfer was confirmed on Wednesday as America's captain for the 2018 Ryder Cup tournament at Le Golf National in France.
Arnold Palmer was the last captain to play in the tournament when he was in charge of the USA side in 1963 and Furyk has refused to rule out the possibility of doing both roles.
"As far as making the team, my major concern is being the captain," Furyk told Sky Sports News HQ. "If I were able being very successful next year and I was in that mix, then that's something we can talk about then.
"I plan on keeping a fairly similar schedule to what I've had done for the past couple of years, and I plan on still playing 18-20 tournaments worldwide.
"It's really putting the cart before the horse right now and I've been asked that question a lot, but my main focus right now is to be the captain in 2018."
Thomas Bjorn is the European skipper in 2018 and Furyk can't wait to pit his wits against his "friend".
"It's a big challenge to go and try to win on away soil," Furyk added. "I look at Thomas as a friend, who will be a great leader and will have a wonderful, talented team.
"We've not played in matches together in a Ryder Cup, but we've played in teams against each other. He has a lot of experience as a vice-captain and him and I have always been friends.
"I'm going to have a lot of great help and a lot of great resources here, not only from the PGA of America but from my vice-captains.
"I know they [Europe] will want to change the outcome from 2016, the fans there are fantastic and with the French Open there they'll have a significant home course advantage."
Latest
-
NewsSweden’s Kristoffer Broberg holds a narrow halfway lead in the Dutch Open
Nine birdies helped him to a score of 64 in the second round at Bernardus Golf.
-
NewsAny rest for Rory and will practice make US perfect? – Ryder Cup talking points
The United States will be hoping to make the most of home advantage at Whistling Straits.
-
NewsNew-look USA aiming to reclaim Ryder Cup against experienced-packed Europe
Europe are the holders and have won seven of the last nine Ryder Cups, but United States boast eight of the world’s top 10 players and home advantage.
-
NewsA statistical look at the Ryder Cup as Europe seek to continue recent dominance
Europe have won seven of the last nine Ryder Cups but USA have claimed victory in 26 of the 42 editions overall, with two ties.
-
NewsNiall Kearney shoots seven-under 65 to take early lead at Dutch Open
Denmark’s Martin Simonsen and Germany’s Maximilian Kieffer sit in second.
-
NewsHenrik Stenson named as Team Europe’s fifth vice-captain for Ryder Cup
The former Open champion joins fellow Swede Robert Karlsson, Luke Donald, Martin Kaymer and Graeme McDowell in Padraig Harrington’s backroom staff.
-
NewsNo bias with Shane Lowry Ryder Cup selection, says Padraig Harrington
The European captain insists his friendship with his fellow Irishman did Lowry no favours.
-
NewsPadraig Harrington admits picking his Ryder Cup wild cards was a tough task
Justin Rose missed out as Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter and Shane Lowry were selected.
-
NewsPadraig Harrington admits leaving out Justin Rose was ‘incredibly difficult’
Rose eagled the 18th at Wentworth in a final round of 65 to finish in a tie for sixth, but that was not enough.
-
NewsRyder Cup setback fired up Wentworth winner Billy Horschel
The American was victorious in the BMW PGA Championship.