Torrance steps down as Ryder Cup captain

Sam Torrance has confirmed he does not wish to stay on as European Ryder Cup captain.

Five days after leading the side to a famous victory over the Americans at The Belfry the 49-year-old Scot has decided to quit at the top.

“If selected I feel that I would be the sentimental choice rather than the reasonable choice,” he said.

“By the time of the next matches I will have been on the Seniors Tour for almost two years and won’t have been playing with the players week-in, week-out as I did this time.

“Without seeing the guys regularly I don’t think I’d have the same rapport and wouldn’t necessarily be able to re-create the team atmosphere that we so enjoyed last week.

“It is very tempting, but it wouldn’t be right for the team and that, in the end, is the most important thing.”

In the celebrations on Sunday night Torrance was urged by a number of the team to continue, but he joked that they said what they did because they were drunk.

Padraig Harrington, on being told of Torrance’s decision, commented: “That’s what he kind of told us, so it comes as no surprise.

“We would have loved him to be captain again, but he gave so much for three years and he could not give the same again, so I think he’s made the right decision.

“He put a huge amount into it and took a lot out of his own golf.”

The announcement comes only a day after Nick Faldo backed Torrance and said he was withdrawing himself from the running for the 2004 captaincy and putting his efforts into trying to return to the side.

Bernhard Langer is now strong favourite to succeed Torrance – if he wants the job.

The 45-year-old German, unbeaten last week in his 10th appearance in the match, said he is taking the next few months to decide whether to make himself available.