Ryder Cup: Jose Maria Olazabal rules out 2014 captaincy

 

Europe's winning Ryder Cup captain Jose Maria Olazabal says he does not intend to skipper the side at Gleneagles in 2014.

Olazabal masterminded Europe's historic comeback from 10-4 down to claim a 14½-13½ victory over the United States at Medinah.

Last 10 European captains

  • 2012: JM Olazabal
  • 2010: Colin Montgomerie
  • 2008: Nick Faldo
  • 2006: Ian Woosnam
  • 2004: Bernhard Langer
  • 2002: Sam Torrance
  • 1999: Mark James
  • 1997: Seve Ballesteros
  • 1995: Bernard Gallacher
  • 1993: Bernard Gallacher

"Clearly I won't do it again," said the Spaniard, who believes several people could be suited to the role.

"It would be unfair for me to just name one for the next Ryder Cup."

Irishman Paul McGinley, one of Olazabal's vice-captains alongside Darren Clarke, Thomas Bjorn and Miguel Angel Jimenez, is the bookmakers' favourite to captain the side in Scotland in two years' time.

Olazabal said Scot Paul Lawrie, part of the 2012 winning side, was another potential contender.

"Once they do it there is Lee Westwood and Padraig Harrington. There is a list of eight or nine guys that have a chance of doing it," he said.

Olazabal, speaking at a news conference alongside Belgian player Nicolas Colsaerts, was asked a variety of questions.

You can read his responses below...

Olazabal on messages of congratulation

"The King of Spain called me a few minutes ago and was pretty much over the moon, like me. There have been messages from sports guys like [tennis player Rafael] Nadal and lots from friends and family."

On Rory McIlroy's late arrival

Mcllroy was due to face Keegan Bradley at 11:25 local time but misread his tee time and made it to the course with just 10 minutes to spare after being given a lift in a police car.

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“There was probably someone up there pulling the strings”

Nicolas Colsaerts

"We were a little concerned but we knew at 11:05 he was going to make it to the tee with no problems. That's why I was not all that tense. Luckily enough, a police car was there and he made it on time. It was no surprise at all he managed to win his point."

Olazabal suggested McIlroy could have conceded the first hole had he failed to make the time. Asked what he would have said in that instance, the skipper said: "Get onto the second hole and win the damn point."

On Seve Ballesteros

The Europeans wore navy blue jumpers and white shirts, the colours most associated with Olazabal's great pal Ballesteros for Sunday's singles matches. The gesture was a tribute to the five-time major winner, who died in May last year after a long battle with a brain tumour. Olazabal said he took advice from Ballesteros about the Ryder Cup before he died.

"We all know how great he was around the greens and maybe wherever he is, he put a little bit of magic onto the players."

On Ian Poulter

Poulter revived Europe's flagging hopes on Saturday with five birdies on the last five holes to win his fourballs match with McIlroy. The Englishman was the best performer for Europe, collecting four points.

"For whatever reason, this event for him means so much. He thrives on it and it brings the best of him out on the course. In a way, he reminds me a lot of Seve - that intensity, that focus, that will to win a point. He will be a wonderful captain for sure in the future. He will need 12 players like him."

On Tiger Woods

The American's generous concession of a putt on the 18th green to Francesco Molinari gave Europe a half to seal outright victory. Some British bookmakers claimed the outcome cost them £500,000 in payouts to punters who had backed Europe to win.

"He just let it go. There was no reason for them to keep on trying to win that point. They didn't have any chance to win the cup."

On Martin Kaymer

The former world number one held his nerve with a six-foot putt on the 18th to win his singles match against Steve Stricker and guarantee a tie.

"He's a German. You can rely on German engineering these days."

On favourite shot

"It's hard to just pick one but I think the putt Poulter made on 18 on Saturday afternoon was huge. We all knew how important that was. If that didn't happen I don't think we'd have had a chance to win. It was crucial."