‘Quiet leader’ Jim Furyk relishes Ryder Cup challenge in Paris after being appointed US captain

Newly appointed US Ryder Cup captain welcomes the tall challenge that awaits him in Paris next year

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Jim Furyk has been named Ryder Cup team captain for the United States. Photo: AP

Published: 1:19pm, 12 Jan 2017Updated: 1:19pm, 12 Jan 2017

Newly appointed US Ryder Cup captain Jim Furyk welcomes the tall challenge that awaits him in Paris next year when he looks to steer the Americans to their first victory over Europe on foreign soil in 25 years.

“Some people look at the negative. It’s been 25 years,” Furyk, who was introduced as captain for the 2018 edition of the biennial competition on Wednesday, said on a conference call about registering the first US road victory since 1993.

“I view it as an opportunity. It’s exciting and it’s a new day and age for the US Ryder Cup team. We have some momentum right now and we have some success under our belt from last time.”

Furyk is a veteran of nine Ryder Cup campaigns. Photo: AFP

The US team ended Europe’s string of three consecutive Ryder Cup victories last October at Hazeltine where Furyk served as a vice-captain under Davis Love III.

Furyk will be matching wits with his friend and European captain Thomas Bjorn of Denmark.

“Thomas will be a great leader. I know the team will be strong. They’re not going to be happy about the results in Hazeltine,” Furyk said. “I’m really excited about rolling up my sleeves and getting started.”