Lee Westwood rules himself out of contention for 2023 Ryder Cup captaincy

Lee Westwood has ruled himself out of the running to be Europe’s next Ryder Cup captain.
Westwood was a strong favourite to be handed the task of regaining the trophy in Rome in 2023 after being part of the side which suffered a record 19-9 defeat at Whistling Straits in September.
However, the 48-year-old has decided to focus on his playing career and could yet make a record 12th appearance as a player in the biennial contest at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club near Rome.

Westwood told the Daily Telegraph: “Of course it is not a decision I’ve taken lightly as it would be a huge honour to captain Europe and it is something I’d love to do one day.
“But it’s almost a full-time job nowadays and that is something I can’t commit to while I’m in the top 50 (in the world) and still competitive.
“The Ryder Cup is very close to my heart and I would only take on the role if I believe I could give it 100 per cent.
“Whoever gets the job for Rome will obviously have my full backing and I’ll continue to do all I can for the Europe cause, as I’ve always tried to since my debut 24 years ago.”

With Westwood out of contention, the likes of Luke Donald, Henrik Stenson, Robert Karlsson and Graeme McDowell will be in the frame, with all four having experience of being vice-captains in recent contests.
McDowell has previously said he would like to captain the side at Adare Manor in Ireland in 2027.
LIVE SCORES: Follow all the latest leaderboards in our live golf scores centre.
Latest
-
News
Rory McIlroy through in Austin after rolling back years to outwit Keegan Bradley
McIlroy eased to a 3&2 victory to win group three with a 100 per cent record.
-
News
Shane Lowry resists fightback to knock Jordan Spieth out of WGC-Dell Match Play
Lowry had already been eliminated following defeats by Taylor Montgomery and Mackenzie Hughes.
-
News
Rory McIlroy’s strong finish makes it two wins from two in WGC-Dell Match Play
McIlroy made it two wins out of two in sensational style.
-
News
Jon Rahm stays in WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play hunt as Shane Lowry exits
The former US Open champion bounced back to beat Keith Mitchell.
-
News
Jon Rahm claims convincing victory on day two of WGC-Dell Match Play
The Spaniard has won three strokeplay events on the PGA Tour this season.
-
PGA Tour
Rory McIlroy has ‘one eye on Augusta’ as big names suffer defeats in Austin
McIlroy had led from start to finish to beat Scott Stallings 3&1.
-
PGA Tour
Matt Fitzpatrick suffers heavy defeat in WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play opener
Fitzpatrick is the top seed in group 11 at Austin Country Club.
-
PGA Tour
Rory McIlroy backs ‘unpopular’ shorter ball proposal with majors on his mind
The Northern Irishman said he could choose to play it in PGA Tour tournaments even if not adopted on the US circuit.
-
PGA Tour
Scottie Sheffler ‘loves’ match play format ahead of title defence in Austin
The top seed takes on Tom Kim, Alex Noren and Davis Riley in group one this week.
-
PGA Tour
Sam Burns hoping to return to form as he bids for Valspar Championship hat-trick
Burns has posted just one top-10 finish so far this season