Garcia to lend expertise to Ryder Cup team

Sergio Garcia will be at the Ryder Cup after all - not playing, but as Europe's fourth assistant captain.

"Everybody knows how much I love the Ryder Cup and I think this proves it," said Garcia, whose appointment was announced last night.

The 30-year-old has been an ever-present since becoming the event's youngest-ever player at 19 in 1999, but has plunged down the world rankings in the past two seasons and never came close to retaining his spot.

He is now on a two-month break from playing to try to clear his head, but he and captain Colin Montgomerie spoke at The Open last month.

"It was a very easy thing for me to agree to do. I have always been there for the European team and that is not going to change.

"I think Monty will be a great captain and I have no doubt he will help win the cup back.

"I told him I wanted him to know I was there for him 100% and if he wanted me to do anything for then team then I would."

He joins Paul McGinley, Thomas Bjorn and Darren Clarke and means both captains will have four assistants.

Corey Pavin has ex-captain Tom Lehman, possible next captain Davis Love, Jeff Sluman and Paul Goydos.