Who will be Europe’s next Ryder Cup captain? Could it be Lee Westwood

For all the red on the scoreboard over the course of three days, it was uplifting to see a bit of blue by the name of Lee Westwood on Sunday.
By Nick Westby
Published 27th Sep 2021, 13:45 BST
Updated 27th Sep 2021, 14:51 BST
Lee Westwood: Won his singles match at the end of his 11th Ryder Cup appearance.Lee Westwood: Won his singles match at the end of his 11th Ryder Cup appearance.
Lee Westwood: Won his singles match at the end of his 11th Ryder Cup appearance.

Playing in his record-equalling 11th Ryder Cup, the 48-year-old from Worksop defeated Harris English 1up in his 44th match in the bienniel contest.

“It might be the last match I’ve played in the Ryder Cup,” said an emotional Westwood in the post-event press conference, after having his son Sam on the bag for him.

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“I’d rather it wasn’t, but I’m 49 next April, and the likelihood is it is. I got to share it with my son.

Team Europe's Lee Westwood during a press conference after defeat to Team USA at the end of day three of the 43rd Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits, Wisconsin. (Picture: Anthony Behar/PA Wire)Team Europe's Lee Westwood during a press conference after defeat to Team USA at the end of day three of the 43rd Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits, Wisconsin. (Picture: Anthony Behar/PA Wire)
Team Europe's Lee Westwood during a press conference after defeat to Team USA at the end of day three of the 43rd Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits, Wisconsin. (Picture: Anthony Behar/PA Wire)

“They are special moments out there. We got to represent Europe out there this week. It’s a big place. The other team gets to represent the USA. Big place. Represent a lot of people. If you haven’t got pride and passion, then it’s not for you. Don’t even bother turning up.”

It certainly won’t be the last time he is involved in a Ryder Cup, though, as Westwood has made no secret of his desire to succeed Padraig Harrington as Europe’s captain at Marco Simone Golf Club in Rome in 2023.

“Obviously I’ve played in a load of Ryder Cups and been a vice captain for Thomas in Paris and it’s something I’d love to do,” said Westwood. “I’m going to have to sit down over the next few months and weigh everything.

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“I still feel like I’ve got a lot of golf in me. I said on the last green, could be my last match, and I don’t want it to be.”

Team USA's Harris English and Team Europe's Lee Westwood walk on the 18th hole after the Ryder Cup matches at the Whistling Straits. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)Team USA's Harris English and Team Europe's Lee Westwood walk on the 18th hole after the Ryder Cup matches at the Whistling Straits. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Team USA's Harris English and Team Europe's Lee Westwood walk on the 18th hole after the Ryder Cup matches at the Whistling Straits. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Steve Stricker has ruled out a second spell as Ryder Cup captain, despite leading the United States to a record victory over Europe at Whistling Straits.

That honour is likely to go to Zach Johnson, one of Stricker’s vice-captains, who is favourite to try and lead the US to a first win on European soil since 1993.

Odds for European Ryder Cup Captain 2023

8/11 Lee Westwood

9/4 Robert Karlsson

7/1 Henrik Stenson

14/1 Ian Poulter

16/1 Paul Lawrie

16/1 Graeme McDowell

18/1 Luke Donald

20/1 Sergio Garcia

20/1 Thomas Bjorn

25/1 Miguel Angel Jimenez

33/1 Martin Kaymer

Related topics:EuropeLee WestwoodWorksop

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