The Guipuzcoan José María Olazábal has been designated as ViceCapitan of the Europe That will be played in New York Bethpage Black Course, from September 28 to 28.
Olazábal, 59, will join as ViceCapitán A los ya designados danés thomas bjorn e italiano edoardo molinari, that will accompany the European captain Luke Donald. “It’s wonderful news. when Luke approached me and asked me about the possibility of being Vicecapitan again, I have to be honest, I thought about it for a while because, being in New York, it will not be easy. But the Ryder Cup is very close to my heart. I have wonderful memories of this event, so I said yes,” said Olazábal in statements provided by Ryder Europe.
It will be the fifth occasion when Olazábal is ViceCapitán of the European team (2008, 2010, 2014, 2023) in the duel that faces Europe and the United States. He held the same position in the last edition, with the victory of the European team over the American in the framework Simone Gof Country Club of Rome, for 16.5-11.5.
It is wonderful news. When Luke asked me about the option of being Vicecapitán again, I thought about it because being in New York it will not be easy. But the Ryder is very close to my heart
José María Olazábal
“I think Luke did a wonderful job in Rome and I think he will also do it very well this time. He occupied absolutely all the details: players, ‘Caddies’, families. It was wonderful to share some of his strategies and the images of previous events. It was also great to see him work as he did during the week, being so close to the players. It was fantastic to be part of that Ryder Cup team, “added the Spanish.
Olazábal, among many other achievements (23 of the European Circuit, 6 of the PGA Tour), made his two masts of Augusta and four editions of the Ryder Cup As a player (1987, 1989, 1997, 2006; of the seven in which he was, with a total of 31 games played, of which he won 18 and added 20.5 points).
Besides, Add a Ryder Cup as Captain (2012), with a triumph in 2012 of the combined old continent which is the last one achieved by Europe on American soil, known as the ‘Miracle of Medinah’. The last day was reached with an adverse 6-10 and went back to get 8.5 points in the 12 individual matches, to conclude with a favorable 14.5-13.5.
It is very difficult to win away from home, in the United States. In New York we know that the crowds will be very noisy and that the golf course will be arranged in favor of the American team
José María Olazábal
Olazábal has also considered that “it is very difficult to win away from home, in the United States. In New York we know that the crowds will be very noisy and that the golf course will be arranged in favor of the US team. We will also have to deal with that. I think there is no greater challenge for a golfist than to face an Ryder Cup away from home and we have to be mentally prepared for it, ” has indicated.
Captain Luke Donald, on the other hand, has commented to be “delighted to welcome José María to the post of Vicecapitan. It is synonymous with European golf, Ryder Cup and everything it represents. So having him back as part of my team is incredibly positive for us. Blue and gold distillation – European colors – like nobody. His passion for the Ryder Cup is unsurpassed. It is an inspiration for many players, which made the difference in Rome. “
“It is also very important for us to know that we have on our side to the last captain he has won in foreign soil. I was part of that team as a player and witnessed his attitude, of never surrendering and the inspiration he received from Seve that week. There may be difficult times in New York in which we all need that experience, that passion and that mentality, “Donald added.
