Europe’s Ryder Cup captain Padraig Harrington has named Sweden’s Robert Karlsson as his first vice-captain for the clash with the USA at Whistling Straits, in 2020. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

EUROPEAN captain Padraig Harrington has named Robert Karlsson as his first vice-captain for the 2020 Ryder Cup against the United States at Whistling Straits, in Wisconsin, next September.

The 50-year-old Swede twice represented Europe in the Ryder Cup – including partnering Harrington twice in foursomes at Valhalla, in 2008 – and he will return to the backroom team in the biennial contest having been one of Thomas Bjorn’s vice-captains at Le Golf National, in 2018.

Karlsson was also a member of the record-equalling team in 2006 at The K Club, where Europe recorded a nine-point victory, before making his second appearance in 2008, when he faced Phil Mickelson and Anthony Kim alongside Harrington in the alternate-shot format.

Karlsson then defeated Justin Leonard 5&3 in the Sunday singles as Europe were defeated at Valhalla.

But he ended that year on a high by winning the Harry Vardon Trophy as the European Tour’s No, 1, becoming the first Swede to achieve that honour.

With 623 European Tour appearances and 11 titles to his name in a career spanning 30 years, Karlsson brings considerable experience to the backroom team for next year’s contest.

Harrington, who made the announcement ahead of the BMW PGA Championship at Ryder Cup Europe’s headquarters at the Wentworth Club, said: “Robert was an obvious choice for my first vice-captain having seen his notable contribution to the backroom team last year in Paris – particularly with his attention to detail and his analytical approach.

“I have known Robert for many years and I know he will bring a wealth of experience to the team,” said the Irishman who won three Majors in 2007 and 2008.

“As a former Ryder Cup player and European Tour No. 1, he commands the respect of his peers, and I know I can count on him both in the build-up to Whistling Straits – and during the week itself.”

Karlsson said: “It is an honour to be asked to be a vice-captain by Padraig, someone I have known and respected in the game for many years.

“I’m really looking forward to playing my part for Team Europe once again over the next 12 months.

“To be involved in what transpired at Le Golf National was a dream come true. And I believe the experience and continuity I can bring to the team this time around, can be a big help as we aim to retain the trophy on American soil.”

The qualification campaign for the 2020 Ryder Cup begins this week and will conclude in a year’s time back at Wentworth at the 2020 BMW PGA Championship.

The 2020 Ryder Cup will be played at Whistling Straits Golf Club, in Wisconsin, from September 25-27, 2020.

The Pete and Alice Dye-designed course sits along a two-mile stretch of Lake Michigan. It has been a host venue of three US PGA Championships – most recently in 2015 when Australian Jason Day claimed his first Major.

Europe will travel to Wisconsin as holders of the Ryder Cup following their 17½-10½ victory over the United States at Le Golf National last September. It was Europe’s ninth victory in the last 12 contests.

The post Harrington calls on Karlsson as a Ryder Cup vice-captain for Whistling Straits in 2020 appeared first on Golf North.

Ryder Cup legend Tony Jacklin CBE returns to The Belfry for Annual Charity Invitational

Ryder Cup Captain, Tony Jacklin CBE, Returns To The Belfry For Annual Charity Invitational 
 
– The Belfry welcomes back legendary Ryder Cup captain, Tony Jacklin CBE, for annual charity Invitational –

The home of one of Europe’s greatest Ryder Cup moments, the award-winning Belfry Hotel and Resort is set to welcome back a true golfing icon to its course next month. Europe’s most successful Ryder Cup captain, Tony Jacklin CBE, will grace the iconic Brabazon Course once again on 24th September.

The Tony Jacklin Invitational is a charity golf day like no other and will see a whole host of stars take part including BBC News and Sport presenter Dan Walker, Harry Potter actor Oliver Phelps, former England international rugby star, Austin Healy and ex-Emmerdale actor, Kelvin Fletcher.

The event will be raising vital funds for Rainbows Hospice for Children & Young People. The charity cares for youngsters who are suffering from life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, as well as supporting their families, and Tony acts as one of the charity’s patrons. All money raised on the day will go to Rainbows with the event seeing 25 teams competing.

Other notable names in attendance include: Jenni Falconer, Alan McInally, Max Evans, Gareth Gates, Derek Redmond, Chris Broad, Don Goodman and David May.

The Two-time Major winner is delighted by the calibre of the field and discussed the event. He said “I’m thrilled to see so many big names get involved this year. It is a fantastic event and it is great to be back at the Belfry, a place that holds so many special memories for me. Money will also be raised for a wonderful cause and I’m looking forward to getting out there on the course in September.”

The Belfry has hosted the Ryder Cup on four occasions, including Europe’s first ever win in the competition in 1985 which Tony masterminded as captain.

Katie Niland, Sales Director at The Belfry is excited at the prospect of hosting the event once again. “We are absolutely delighted to be hosting the Tony Jacklin Belfry Invitational for the 3rd year and it’s a great honour to have Tony return to the spiritual home of The Ryder Cup.  We hold so many fond memories of Tony here so to have this golf day in the week of the Ryder Cup will be thrilling for both our team and our guests.  Our excellent partnership with Champions and their support of the wonderful work of Rainbows, means this golf day is always one of our favourites in the calendar” commented Niland.

Following the day’s play guests will also be treated to a Champagne reception and wonderful three course meal with it all to be hosted by Olympic legend Derek Redmond.

Champions and The Belfry would like to thank the following sponsors for their support of the event: Farmfoods, Liberty Industries Group, Bentley Leicester, Champions (UK) plc, Sky Sports, The Belfry Hotel &
Resort, Barbados, Lamborghini, Champions After Dinner Speakers, Bionical, Aspirational Magazine and Champions Events.

For more information on the event please get in touch with Benoit Lawrence at Champions (UK) plc by calling 01509 85 29 27 or email blawrence@championsukplc.com

The post Jacklin Back At The Belfry For Charity Invitational appeared first on Golf North.