Langer a popular choice for Ryder role

BERNHARD LANGER’S elevation to the captaincy of the European Ryder Cup team to face the US at the Oakland Hills club, in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, in September next year, has been warmly welcomed.

This is perfectly understandable, given the German's immense contribution to the European Ryder Cup cause, and his outstanding record of achievement and sportsmanship over the years. Few players command greater respect, and it can be taken for granted that every player who qualifies for the European side will fight till they drop for their captain.

However, the great concern has to be that Langer would be even more valuable to the cause as a playing member of the team.