Just how important are captains in the Ryder Cup?
Ryder Cup 2014: A tale of two captains —
Just how important are captains in the Ryder Cup?
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Paul McGinley is still competing on the European Tour, producing a strong performance in the first qualifying event for the 2014 Ryder Cup, the Wales Open, where he tied for eighth place this month.
European hope —
Paul McGinley is still competing on the European Tour, producing a strong performance in the first qualifying event for the 2014 Ryder Cup, the Wales Open, where he tied for eighth place this month.
Tom Watson was officially unveiled as the U.S. Ryder Cup captain for 2014 at a ceremony in New York. It will be his second spell in charge, having led the successful 1993 U.S. team.
Golf legend —
Tom Watson was officially unveiled as the U.S. Ryder Cup captain for 2014 at a ceremony in New York. It will be his second spell in charge, having led the successful 1993 U.S. team.
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McGinley, the European captain for 2014, is all smiles as he parades the Ryder Cup ahead of next year's title defense in Scotland.
Medinah magic —
McGinley, the European captain for 2014, is all smiles as he parades the Ryder Cup ahead of next year's title defense in Scotland.
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Legends paired: Watson and Jack Nicklaus share some time at the 1981 Ryder Cup at Walton Heath, which saw a crushing victory for a powerful United States team.
Historic team —
Legends paired: Watson and Jack Nicklaus share some time at the 1981 Ryder Cup at Walton Heath, which saw a crushing victory for a powerful United States team.
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1993 Ryder Cup captains Bernard Gallacher, left, and Watson parade the trophy before the match at The Belfry, which was won by the U.S. team.
Captain's pair —
1993 Ryder Cup captains Bernard Gallacher, left, and Watson parade the trophy before the match at The Belfry, which was won by the U.S. team.
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Watson with Paul Azinger, whose half with Nick Faldo helped the U.S to come from behind on the final day in 1993.
Sweet victory —
Watson with Paul Azinger, whose half with Nick Faldo helped the U.S to come from behind on the final day in 1993.
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Watson's finest moment as a player is regarded as his victory in the "Duel in the Sun" when he held off Jack Nicklaus at the 1977 British Open at Turnberry.
Turnberry classic —
Watson's finest moment as a player is regarded as his victory in the "Duel in the Sun" when he held off Jack Nicklaus at the 1977 British Open at Turnberry.
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Watson's putt on the 18th green of the final round to win the 2009 British Open narrowly misses. Then 59, he eventually lost a playoff to Stewart Cink.
Cruel miss —
Watson's putt on the 18th green of the final round to win the 2009 British Open narrowly misses. Then 59, he eventually lost a playoff to Stewart Cink.
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2012 European captain Jose Maria Olazabal, left, discusses tactics with his assistant McGinley during the match at Medinah, where the U.S. collapsed to lose on the final day.
Tactical switch —
2012 European captain Jose Maria Olazabal, left, discusses tactics with his assistant McGinley during the match at Medinah, where the U.S. collapsed to lose on the final day.
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McGinley plays a shot to the third green at Gleneagles in last month's Johnnie Walker Championship, the last major tournament to be staged at the Scottish course until the 2014 Ryder Cup.
Home advantage —
McGinley plays a shot to the third green at Gleneagles in last month's Johnnie Walker Championship, the last major tournament to be staged at the Scottish course until the 2014 Ryder Cup.
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