Harrington: Looks like USPGA 'have chosen a friend' as Ryder Cup captain

Three-time major winner Padraig Harrington has questioned the decision to appoint Davis Love as American Ryder Cup captain for a second time.

According to reports in the United States, Love will officially be confirmed as captain for the 2016 contest at Hazeltine next week, despite seeing his side squander a 10-4 lead at Medinah in 2012.

Paul Azinger, who led the US to their last win in 2008, and three-time Presidents Cup-winning captain Fred Couples had been favourites to be given the task of ending a run of three straight defeats in Minnesota.

“It’s interesting, it looks like they (the PGA of America) have chosen a friend,” Harrington, who was a vice-captain to Paul McGinley at Gleneagles last year, told Sky Sports.

“I’m surprised they didn’t go back to Paul Azinger. I know Davis did a great job but it does look like they’ve gone for the guy they like... I’m not saying they don’t like Paul Azinger but maybe Paul turned it down.

“He (Love) was a good captain but when you let the inmates run the asylum sometimes that’s what they come up with.”