What about an Irish compromise?

BERNHARD LANGER’S decision to opt out of the captaincy of the European Ryder Cup at The K-Club next year is acutely disappointing.

The German's dignity and professionalism would have adorned the occasion like neither of his likely successors, Nick Faldo or the surprise new favourite Ian Woosnam, could ever hope to.

Langer's decision is understandable even though the temptation to continue was considerable, given that he waited until the eleventh hour before opting out. He is the archetypal German cool, organised and in control of his emotions, something he demonstrated in such magnificent fashion last September.