Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Associated Press
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla.
Davis Love III was on his porch in Sea Island taking part in a conference call for the first Ryder Cup Task Force meeting, and he was shocked by what he heard.
First, the PGA of America really was going to let the players have a voice.
And then it quickly became clear the choice was going to be him.
Love was introduced Tuesday afternoon as U.S. captain for the 2016 matches at Hazeltine.
And while it appeared as though the Americans were looking in their past, he was presented as the start of a new model they hope can end two decades of European dominance.
He also was captain in 2012 at Medinah when Europe staged the biggest rally by a visiting team.
“I’m here with the same goal I had in 2012, but not as the same captain,” Love said.
Love was part of an 11-member task force — eight of them former Ryder Cup players — that met twice since December.
The agenda for the first meeting was to define the role of the captains and assistant captains, and throw out names.
Phil Mickelson, whose biting comments at Gleneagles regarding Tom Watson’s style was the impetus for the task force, said the qualities of a captain included someone who was respected, didn’t let his ego keep him from listening, someone who could take blame and share credit, and who had the experience to build a blueprint for the next 20 years.
“There’s only one guy who fits that bill,” Mickelson said.
The PGA of America also announced changes to the U.S. team.
Qualifying for the top eight players will end after the first FedEx Cup playoff event (The Barclays) instead of the PGA Championship. Three of the four captain’s picks will be selected after the third playoff event (BMW Championship), while the final pick will be selected after the Tour Championship.