Olazabal 2012 captaincy receives backing from Ryder Cup team
Published:Jose Maria Olazabal has stated his desire to lead the European team into the 2012 Ryder Cup in Medinah, Chicago, but only if he overcomes his current battle with illness.
Olazabal has been fighting rheumatism for the past year and at one point the Spaniard was unable to stand, let alone walk, but his captaincy would be a popular choice amongst the current Ryder Cup team members.
I think Olly would be all the players’ choice,” said Padraig Harrington.
“Olly has had a great Ryder Cup career, he brings a lot of passion to the game and he looks like he’d make a great captain but it’s a tough job.”
Olazabal has stated that if he can play a part on the European Tour over the next two years then he would relish the job at Medinah.
Colin Montgomerie has stood down as European captain after leading his side to victory, but has also tipped Olazabal to succeed him in 2012 after the Spaniard played a key role on his backroom staff in the 2010 victory.
“It was between him and me for the captaincy this time and in two years’ time he’ll be 46, just a year younger than I am now,” said Montgomerie, “I hope Jose Maria will be well enough to be the next captain.”
Europe lost the last time the Ryder Cup was played in the United States in 2008 but have won three times in the last six occasions and are 1/1 to win the Ryder Cup in 2012.
USA are also 1/1 to win the 2012 Ryder Cup and after almost producing a momentous fight back on the final day, the USA team will be more motivated than ever to regain the Ryder Cup on home soil.
10/1 is available for the two sides to draw in the 2012 Ryder Cup. See the full 2012 Ryder Cup betting odds market here.
