Euro stars’ delight for Olly
As expected, Olazabal was confirmed as captain at a press conference yesterday at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club, the venue for this week’s HSBC Abu Dhabi Championship.
The 44-year old Spaniard is a veteran of seven Ryder Cups and was vice-captain to Nick Faldo in 2008 while he was a late inclusion into Colin Montgomerie’s backroom team which won in Wales.
There had been much speculation last summer regarding Olazabal’s fitness for the post but he finally confirmed to the European Tour in October he would be willing to accept the captaincy.
It was then the duty of Thomas Bjorn as chairman of the Tournament Players Committee to canvass all 15 members, including Paul McGinley and Darren Clarke.
“Speaking to players on the Tour and to committee members, it was probably the easiest decision I’ve ever had to make with regards to a new Ryder Cup captain,” said Bjorn.
“All members of the committee were unanimous as they all pointed towards one man.”
Olazabal becomes the second Spaniard after Seve Ballesteros (1997) to be honoured and the double Augusta National winner is under no illusion that retaining the Ryder Cup at Medinah will be the biggest challenge of his career.
“The Ryder Cup has meant so much to my career,” said Olazabal.
“I dedicated 25 years of my life as a professional golfer. I played in seven Ryder Cups and as I said, the Ryder Cup is welded in my heart. I do have wonderful memories.
“It has just meant so much to me. And in that regard all I can say is that it is going to be a huge responsibility to be the next captain, and I have to have to say it is going to be if not the biggest challenge of my career, especially at this time of my career.
“I’ve had a pretty solid professional career but the Ryder Cup is very special to me and to be the captain of the 2012 Ryder Cup... there is only one go for it and I will try to be as successful as possible.”
Harrington was practising on the National Club course when he officially heard about Olazabal’s appointment.
“Jose Maria was incredibly inspirational as a player and as a vice-captain,” said Harrington.
“I never experienced a Ryder Cup with Seve but I honestly can’t think that anybody feels more about the Ryder Cup than Jose,” Harrington added.
“Playing on a team that Jose captains would be some week, mentally and emotionally. When it comes to the Ryder Cup, he is so passionate.
“And I think Europe needs a big captain when we go to the States. I think its going to be very, very difficult for us to beat them over there.”
Harrington’s remarks were endorsed by fellow Irishmen Graeme McDowell and Darren Clarke.
“I’ve had the pleasure of being in team rooms with Jose at the last two Ryder Cups now,” said McDowell.
“He was a big part of the reason why I played so well at Valhalla a few years ago. He kind of took me under his wing that week.
“A couple of the big highlights of Valhalla in the team room were speeches that José made. He’s a very honest, very emotional, very open guy. I got to know him very well that week, and you know, he’s just a legend regards his playing capabilities and the kind of person that he is.
“He’s going to be a great Ryder Cup captain. He’s loved all over the world, and obviously as a two-time Masters champion, I think he’s going to be a great talisman for the European team.
“Certainly I’ll be desperate to be part of that team room because I know what he’ll bring — he’ll inspire and he will motivate and he will bring a lot of passion and emotion to the team.
“It’s probably been the worst kept secret in golf that he was going to take the captaincy. I’m sure it’s great to be able to talk about it now. He’s going to be great.”
And Clarke, who must now come into serious reckoning to lead Europe back to the States in 2016, also has backed the decision.
“Jose Maria will be a fantastic captain as he’s been a great player as well as being a massive ambassador for the European Tour,” said Clarke.
“He’s been brilliant me and is always putting his arm around me to encourage me. He’s genuinely a great guy, so he’s going to be a brilliant captain.”
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