26 Feb 2015

Love to captain US at Ryder Cup

12:57 pm on 26 February 2015

The former PGA Championship winner Davis Love III has been named captain of the United States for the 2016 Ryder Cup.

Davis Love III, 2008.

Davis Love III, 2008. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Love, who previously captained the team in 2012, will lead America against holders Europe at Hazeltine in Minnesota.

In 2012, the 50-year-old guided the team to a 10-6 lead heading into the final day, but lost by 14-1/2 points to 13-1/2 in what is known to European fans as the "Miracle of Medinah."

Love says his goal is the same as 2012, but he's not the same captain.

"It's a new business model, a new team building model, that comes from being given an opportunity by the PGA of America to come together and use all our veteran experience to build a new team culture and a consistent plan for the future."

"Simply, we want to win. What we have created is a new process for continuity and team work which will prepare us for many years of success."

Tom Lehman, who was a member of three Ryder Cup teams and captain in 2006, was also introduced as a vice-captain.

Love, who won his sole major at the 1997 PGA Championship, played in six consecutive Ryder Cups from 1993. He tasted victory on his first appearance and in 1999.

Europe have won eight of the last 10 Ryder Cups.

Last year's loss to Europe at Gleneagles was followed by five-times major winner Phil Mickelson's scathing criticism of the approach used by American captain Tom Watson.

The PGA of America also unveiled a set system for the four vice captains - two will be past Ryder Cup captains and two will be players with extensive Ryder Cup history.

Another change will see a revised points qualification system and new timing for the captain's wildcard picks, which will be pushed back by two weeks.