Ryder Cup: Jose Maria Olazabal rules out 2014 captaincy
Last updated on .From the section Golf
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.
"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.
"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."
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Don't underestimate the motivation skills necessary to get 12 different golfers to all perform on the same day. It will only have been JMO who made the difference.
OK - there are others that could have achieved the same
BUT - it's not luck I can assure you
His team said he was inspirational and his tactics were spot on with no-one coming into the singles cold. That sort of luck I can live with.
As for saying he was lucky, don't take anything away from that win. He wasn't doing it for himself, he was doing it for his mate...
Right now he's probably absolutely exhausted from the past two years and the thought of repeating the process doesn't appeal in the slightest.
But give it a few months, and like Steve Redgrave post "you can shoot me", I predict a change of mind.
Let's face it, there is a fair amount of anti-Scottish racism on this thread.
Sadly, I think some English folk subconsciously find the pan-European spirit of the Ryder Cup a bit hard to stomach - hence the need to denigrate others playing for / supporting the same team. Who knows?
Ah well - oh for the days of the Raj - I remember Lucknow! ; )
@29. Brian h
Whilst I cringe at the few narrow minded Scots who insist on posting their nationalistic bile on these forums, I also cringe at the arrogant English posters who look down their noses at Scots, by calling them 'jocks'. Why? You know that what you are saying is insulting.
Should we now call English 'Limeys' or 'Pommys'?
Both equally as insulting.
I am a proud Scot and also a proud Brit. My Dad fought in the British Army and my brothers both reside in England.
Willie,#30 and 32, whipping up any kind of negative thoughts after such a great victory shows how small minded you are.
Personally I'd like to see Monty captain the team again, at Gleneagles, failing that perhaps Paul McGinley?