Tom Watson named U.S. Ryder Cup captain for 2014

Tom Watson of the United States celebrates after his hole in one at the sixth hole during the second round of The 140th Open Championship at Royal St George's on July 15, 2011 in Sandwich, England. / Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

NEW YORK The Americans are bringing back Tom Watson as their Ryder Cup captain with hopes of ending two decades of losing in Europe.

The PGA of America announced Watson's selection on Thursday live on television.

Watson, an eight-time major champion and one of the most respected figures in golf, will be 65 when the 2014 Ryder Cup is played at Gleneagles in Scotland. That will make him the oldest captain in Ryder Cup history.

He also is the first repeat captain for the U.S. team since Jack Nicklaus in 1987. Watson also was captain in 1993 at The Belfry, the last time the Americans won the Ryder Cup away from home.

Watson is beloved in Scotland, where he won four of his five British Open titles, the most of any American.

"It would be a great honor if I got tapped on the shoulder," Watson told Golf Digest's Ron Sirak before he was named he captain. "'93 was the last time I've been to a Ryder Cup. I'd like to go back as captain. That would be cool."