Jose Maria Olazabal

[theredfella]

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Jose Maria Olazabal has wasted no time in substantiating his leadership qualities, proclaiming his desire to reduce the number of captain’s picks within minutes of his unveiling as Europe’s Ryder Cup captain.

 

Olazabal was formally announced in Abu Dhabi ahead of the European Tour’s opening event of the year on Thursday.

 

He was the only man considered for the job of leading out Europe at Medinah in 2012 to defend the trophy won by Colin Montgomerie at Celtic Manor.

 

Controversy clung to Montgomerie after he persuaded the European Tour to allow him a third pick, one more than conventionally allowed. His omission of Paul Casey through the pick process left a wound between captain and player that is still to heal.

 

In the event, Casey, whose schedule was devoted to the lucrative Fed-Ex play-offs in America, would not have made it through the traditional route. But the extra pick created the potential for trouble.

 

Olazabal wants merit to be the selection driver with the world rankings and the European Tour rankings providing the first 10 names on the team when the selection window opens in Sep

 

“I can assure you that I’m not asking for extra picks. I’m going to be clear on that straight away. If anything I’ll reduce back to two to make it fair on the points system. The more picks you get the less value you give to the players who finish in the top ten.”

 

Olazabal said the captaincy would constitute the biggest challenge of his career.

 

“I’ve had a pretty solid professional career, but the Ryder Cup is very special to me. To be the captain of the 2012 you only have one shot at it. That’s why it is a big challenge. I will try to be as successful as possible.”

 

Thomas Bjorn, chairman of the players’ tournament committee, explained why, for the tour members and the committee, there was only one name in the frame.

 

“The passion for the Ryder Cup is the first thing that springs to mind when you look at Jose but also as a gentleman that has played the game," he said.

 

"I think he underplays himself a little bit in how he speaks about himself. You won’t find a more helpful player on this tour and you won’t find a more respected player.”

 

Montgomerie added: “I am absolutely delighted for Ollie and the European team. I believe he will be a superb Ryder Cup captain for us. He has contributed so much to Europe’s campaigns both on and off the course. He is exactly the right man for the job.”

 

 

Great choice as a captain and fully agree about the picks too.

[libero]

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