Davis Love III will return for a second stint as United States Ryder Cup captain, as he will lead the U.S. team in 2016, according to a report from Ryan Lavner of Golf Central. The official announcement from PGA of America is expected to be made on Feb. 24.
Davis Love III will captain 2016 United States Ryder Cup team, per report
Love will return for another stint as captain.
Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports
Love’s 2016 captaincy will come after a disastrous campaign from Tom Watson in 2014. Love was among the most well-liked and respected players on Tour, so it’s unlikely he’ll have the same issues Watson did, which included feuds with top players like Phil Mickelson. Love does have experience in the role from 2012, but it’s not all positive. The U.S. team jumped out to a big lead in 2012, only to have the European team tie the biggest Sunday comeback in history and take the Ryder Cup with a 14½ to 13½ victory.
The choice of Love will come as a surprise to many, as Fred Couples was seen as a favorite to be 2016 captain. Paul Azinger, Steve Stricker, Andy North and Raymond Floyd were also among the names mentioned as possible candidates. Couples was seen as a likely choice following three successful tenures as the U.S. Presidents Cup captain. He captained the American Presidents Cup team to wins in 2009, 2011 and 2013.
Love will have his work cut out for him. The United States has lost three Ryder Cups in a row and eight of the last 10. Darren Clarke is expected to captain the European team in 2016.
