Torrance given key Ryder Cup role
RYDER Cup winning captain Sam Torrance has been handpicked by Paul McGinley to help mastermind a third consecutive victory of the biennial event at Gleneagles in September.
The 60-year-old has been named as one of four vice captains, along with Irishman Des Smyth, by captain McGinley, who credits Torrance as the “most influential person in his career” when it comes to team golf.
McGinley holed the winning putt to defeat America under Torrance’s tutelage in 2002 and is relishing linking up with his close friend once more.
“Sam is a man who has probably had the most influence on me in terms of playing team golf in my career,” said McGinley.
“Being my first captain in the Ryder Cup in 2002, I learned a huge amount from him and have continued to do so over the years.
“Since those early days, our relationship has grown to see us become firm friends and, living not far apart, we see a lot of each other socially as well.”
Torrance, a City A.M. columnist, has become synonymous with the Ryder Cup having been a mainstay in the European team from 1981 to 1995, holing the winning putt at the Belfry in 1985 to defeat America for the first time since 1957. His victory as captain came at the same course 12 years ago and the Scot is thrilled to be involved again.
“Everyone knows how much the Ryder Cup has meant to me over my career so I am absolutely delighted to be involved once again,” Torrance said.
“Paul was a special part of my team at the Belfry in 2002 and he knows I will do everything possible to help him and the team at Gleneagles in September.”