Davis Love III is reportedly close to being appointed USA Ryder Cup captain for the second time in his career for the 2016 battle with Europe at Hazeltine in 2016.
The 1997 US PGA Champion, who led the Americans at Medinah in 2012 when his side let slip a 10-6 final-day lead to crash to a 14.5-13.5 defeat against Jose Maria Olazabal’s Europe, appears to be leading the way to get a chance to make amends.
The USA set up an 11-strong Ryder Cup task force following September’s 16.5-11.5 defeat at Gleneagles, which made it eight losses in 10 for them, in order to try and stop the rot on home soil next year.
Love, who played in six consecutive Ryder Cups from 1993 and helped the USA to two wins in that time, sits on the task force and the Golf Channel is reporting that he has got the green light to take on the captaincy once again.
Fellow task force members Tom Lehman, who captained the US to an 18.5-9.5 defeat in 2006, and Steve Stricker, a winner of 12 PGA Tour events, look set to take up roles in Davis’ team.
If Love is confirmed as captain next week it will mean disappointment for Fred Couples and Paul Azinger, who guided the USA to victory over Europe at Valhalla in 2008, after they were mentioned as potential candidates.
Europe are also believed to be close to naming a captain for 2016 with Northern Irishman Darren Clarke leading the way to succeed Ireland’s Paul McGinley.
A five-man European selection panel are due to meet on Wednesday to make a decision.
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