It’s Captain Langer for Ryder Cup

Bernhard Langer will be captain of Europe’s Ryder Cup team.

The 45-year-old German made himself available for the job less than two weeks ago and was chosen Thursday over Ian Woosnam and Sandy Lyle.

The announcement followed a meeting of the European Tour Tournament Committee, whose recommenda- tion of Langer was accepted immediately by the Ryder Cup Committee.

Langer, a two-time Masters winner and member of the World Golf Hall of Fame, replaces Sam Torrance, who did not want to be considered for the post.

“It’s a fabulous honor to be named European captain,” Langer said.

Hal Sutton will be the Ryder Cup captain for the United States when Europe defends the Cup at Oakland Hills Country Club outside Detroit in September 2004.

Langer has played on 10 Ryder Cup teams, winning 21 of 42 matches, losing 15 and halving six. He made his Cup debut in 1981 and was part of Europe’s winning teams in 1985, ‘87, and ’95.

“I’ve never made a secret of how much I enjoy being part of the Ryder Cup, and to be captain makes me very proud, especially as the first German golfer to hold this prestigious honor,” he said.

One lasting image of Langer as a Ryder Cup player is his missed putt that would have enabled Europe to retain the trophy at Kiawah Island in 1991. Playing in the last singles match against Hale Irwin, Langer missed from five feet.