PORTMARNOCK, Ireland, July 24 (UPI) -- The European Ryder Cup Board announced Thursday that Bernhard Langer would be team captain in 2004.
The announcement was made Thursday at the site of the Irish Open after a meeting of the Tournament Committee of the European Tour.
The native of Germany will succeed Sam Torrance, who guided the European squad in its 15½-12½ victory over the United States in 2002.
"It's a fabulous honor to be named European Captain," said Langer. "I've never made a secret of how much I enjoy being part of The Ryder Cup, and to be the captain makes me feel very proud, especially as the first German golfer to hold this prestigious role."
Langer, 45, who played on 10 Ryder Cup teams, is a two-time winner of the Masters in this country, and has 66 career victories as a pro, 42 on the European Tour.
Ryder Cup will be played at Oakland Hills Country Club, Bloomfield Hills, Mich., Sept. 17-19, 2004.
