Jim Furyk named as US Ryder Cup captain
- by Grant Boone
- in Sports
- — Jan 12, 2017
With nine Ryder Cups as a player on his resume, Jim Furyk will be the the most experienced captain in Ryder Cup history.
He has played on nine US Ryder Cup teams and been an assistant to Davis Love, but now Jim Furyk will get his chance to lead the Americans against Europe in France in 2018. Davis Love III of St. Simons Island, Ga., captained the U.S.to a victory at Hazeltine National last fall, after previously being the captain in 2012 at Medinah. "I'm actually a little overwhelmed", Furyk told Sky Sports.
"If this time next year, I'm in the talk, if I'm in the top eight (on the points list), then I think it's time to have that discussion".
"For more than two decades, Jim Furyk has stood proud and tall on the American golf stage and we are thrilled to have him as our Ryder Cup Captain", said Levy, who joined Furyk for a news conference at PGA of America Headquarters. He's ranked No. 37 in the world. It's no secret, it's been my favourite event my entire career.
Arnold Palmer was the last playing captain in 1963. And who the US needs.
"The experiences this event gives me, I get chills thinking about it and to be sitting here as captain is a great honour".
The United States are the defending champions after winning at Hazeltine a year ago, their first success since 2008.
The 46-year-old, twice on the winning side in the competition as a player, has yet to rule out being a player-captain next year.
Furyk has won 17 times on the PGA Tour, including the 2003 U.S. Open. "It's been a long time since we've won in Europe and I am looking forward to the challenge".
Furyk, recovering from wrist surgery, played in only 16 tournaments previous year and will make it a goal to be a playing captain in 2018.
"I don't want to say no but my main focus is on being a captain", he added.
