2001 Ryder Cup Captain Picked

October 12, 1999 / 12:22 PM EDT / CBS/AP

Curtis Strange, who has won 17 PGA Tour events in a 23-year career, will be named captain of the 2001 Ryder Cup team, according to a published report.

The Houston Chronicle quoted several sources today as saying Strange has agreed to be captain of the Ryder Cup team when it challenges the Europeans at the Belfry Golf Club in Sutton Coldfield, England.

Strange will face an uphill battle in leading the Americans into what will be a hazardous road trip on European soil, the sources said.

But one notable PGA Tour player, speaking on the condition of anonymity, applauded the choice of Strange, who would replace this year's captain, Ben Crenshaw.

"What a great contrast this is going to be in the U.S. captain," said the player. "Ben was so reverent and led with a quiet passion. Curtis is going to be more like a football coach leading his team out of the tunnel onto the field."

"He's going to create a great atmosphere for the American players, especially because they'll be playing in really hostile territory."

"Curtis is absolutely pumped about it," he said. "And the players will have a different sort of respect for him once they see those fiery eyes."

Officials at the PGA of America, which selects the U.S. Ryder captain, are expected to formally announce Strange's appointment soon.

No PGA representatives could be reached for comment Monday, the Houston newspaper reported. Traditionally, they announce their captain for the next Ryder Cup in the first month or two after one is played.

Several executives in the golf world told the newspaper that Strange is the only name on the PGA's list.

It will be no easy task to follow Crenshaw. He used historical frames of reference and his own good vibes to stoke the Americans to a record comeback during the Sunday singles Sept. 26 at The Country Club in Brookline, Mass.

The Americans trailed 10-6, but won eight matches and halved another in Sunday's singles to pull out a 14@1/2-13@1/2 victory, reclaiming the Ryder Cup for the United States after Europe had won it in 1995 and '97.

The last time the U.S. team won in Europe was at the Belfry in 1993.

Crenshaw already has removed himself from consideration for leading the U.S. team a second time.

Strange, who won the U.S. Open in 1988 and '89, has reduced his playing schedule in recent years to devote more time to his work as a television analyst for ABC. He has been the network's lead golf analyst since 1997.

Strange played on five Ryder Cup teams and had a 6-12-2 match record.