Olazabal set to be Europe captain for 2012 Ryder Cup

LONDON - Spanish golfer Jose Maria Olazabal is expected to be named as the captain of Europe’s 2012 Ryder Cup team next month.

According to the Sun, Olazabal, who was overlooked in favour of Colin Montgomerie for the captaincy in Wales this year, is expected to confirm his appointment before the European Tour event in Abu Dhabi.

“Just about every player on the European Tour would love to see Jose Maria as captain,” the tabloid quoted European Tour chief executive George O’Grady, as saying.

As a player, Olazabal has formed the most successful partnership in Ryder Cup history with Seve Ballesteros.

He has also been a member of the European team’s backroom staff, serving as a vice-captain for Nick Faldo at Valhalla in 2008 and again at Celtic Manor, where he was drafted in midway through the event to help Montgomerie.

Earlier, Montgomerie had said that he had no interest in being captain again, and had endorsed Olazabal’s candidacy for the job in 2012, when the tournament will be held at Medinah Country Club near Chicago.

The Spaniard has also received support from former stars Thomas Bjorn and Darren Clarke, who are part of the tour’s players’ committee that selects Ryder Cup captains. (ANI)