Langer announces 2006 European Ryder Cup intentions
BY iseekgolf.com | European PGA Tour | 2006 The 36th Ryder Cup | General | 08 Feb 2005
Bernhard Langer has formally announced that he has every intention of being a playing member of The European Team which will seek to retain The Ryder Cup against the United States at The K Club, Straffan, Co. Kildare, Ireland, on September 22-24, 2006.
Langer, who was The European Team Captain when Europe retained The Ryder Cup in 2004, said: "I wish to end all speculation that I will serve a second term as Captain. I have officially informed The European Tour Tournament Committee through the Chairman, Jamie Spence, that I have every intention of being a playing member of the 2006 European Team.
“Both my wife Vikki and I have the most wonderful memories of the week in Detroit – memories that will never fade – but playing golf remains number one on my priority list. I have made a solid start to this year and I intend to play a full schedule.”
“It was a great honour to be The European Team Captain, and I am particularly proud of the place that the 2004 Team now holds in the record books, but it is the turn of one of my colleagues to take the reins. I look forward to playing on his Team in Ireland.”
The Tournament Committee of The European Tour will meet in Dubai on Tuesday March 1 to discuss the Captain for The 2006 Ryder Cup Matches.
Jamie Spence, the Chairman of the Tournament Committee, said: "It is the intention of the Committee to issue an invitation following that meeting to one of our Members to become the next Captain, and if this is forthcoming then we will announce the Captain at a Media Conference on Wednesday March 2.
“I would like to thank Bernhard once again on behalf of the Tournament Committee, and indeed all Members of The European Tour, for his commitment as Captain, and to wish him every success in his quest to return as a player in 2006.”
Langer, aged 47, led Europe to a record 18.5 – 9.5 victory over the United States at the Oakland Hills Country Club in Michigan last September. He has also been a towering figure in ten Ryder Cup appearances as a player. The German played in five successful European Teams (1985, 1987, 1995, 1997, 2002) and he has so far won 50 per cent of his 42 ties with six halved matches.
