Los Angeles: United States Ryder Cup captain Tom Watson named Raymond Floyd as his second assistant captain on Tuesday for September’s match-play golf showdown against holders Europe in Scotland.
Floyd, who was a wildcard choice by Watson in 1993 when he last captained the US Ryder Cup team, will join Andy North as the assistant captains for the Americans.
“It’s great to have somebody with experience. It’s great to have somebody who can really play,” Watson said.
“Raymond has had a tremendous amount of Ryder Cup experience. He has been successful as a Ryder Cup player.”
Watson’s 1993 team was the last American squad to win the trophy in Europe, a feat his latest team will try to emulate at Gleneagles.
Floyd, 71, went 12-16 with three halved in nine Ryder Cup appearances. He won the 1976 Masters, 1986 US Open and the 1969 and 1982 PGA Championships. He was also runner-up at the 1978 British Open.
“I’m flattered, obviously. It’s going to be a thrill for me to have his back,” Floyd said. “I think it will be a lot of fun.”
Since Watson’s US squad edged Europe 15-13 at the Belfry in England 21 years ago, European sides have won seven of nine Ryder Cups.
Irishman Paul McGinley will captain the European side this year.
