McGinley selects old hands as Ryder Cup vice-captains

Torrance and Smyth join back-room staff of Cup holders Europe

Europe Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley, centre, holds the trophy with Des Smyth, left, and Sam Torrance after a news conference in Dublin on March 6, 2014. McGinley selected Torrance and Smyth as two Show more

Europe's Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley on Thursday picked Sam Torrance and Des Smyth as his vice-captains for the biennial clash with the United States in Scotland later this year.

Gleneagles will host holders Europe taking on the United States from September 26-28.

“They were the first people I had in mind for this role,” McGinley said. “Des took me under his wing when I was a rookie on tour and he gave me tremendous advice.

“Sam is a man who has probably had the most influence on me in terms of playing team golf in my career. Being my first captain in the Ryder Cup in 2002, I learned a huge amount from him and have continued to do so over the years.”

Scot Torrance, 60, led Europe to victory at The Belfry in 2002, 17 years after he holed the winning putt at the same venue as a player.

“Everyone knows how much the Ryder Cup has meant to me over my career so I am absolutely delighted to be involved once again,” Torrance said.

“Paul was a special part of my team at The Belfry in 2002, and he knows I will do everything possible to help him and the team at Gleneagles in September.”

Smyth, 61, featured in the Ryder Cup as a player in 1979 and 1981.

“I was thrilled when Paul contacted me and asked me to be one of his vice captains at Gleneagles – there was no hesitation for me in saying yes,” said the Irishman, who assisted Ian Woosnam at the 2006 Ryder Cup. “I relished the opportunity to be a vice captain at The K Club in 2006, and I look forward to playing a positive role once again in supporting Paul and the team.”

McGinley had planned to name his vice-captains in May or June but will wait until the team is finalised on September 2 before completing his back-room staff.

“There are probably 15 guys that would be good as vice-captains,” McGinley said. “I want to see the team evolve and garner opinion from the players as they make the team.”

United States skipper Tom Watson has appointed four-times major winner Ray Floyd and double US Open champion Andy North as his vice-captains.

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