Golf Update: Jose Maria Olazabal may be Europe's new Ryder Cup striker
Jose Maria Olazabal has hinted that if his health permits, he could take a chance at the captaincy of 2012 Ryder Cup's European team.
Earlier, Olazabal was Colin Montgomerie's first choice for the post of 2010 Ryder Cup European team's vice-captain. He currently suffers from rheumatism and his illness isn't decreasing.
The 44-year-old had a knee injury in 2007 and ever since his fitness graph is on a downward slope. Once again, an offer has been made to the Spaniard but this time it isn't the vice captaincy as Olazabal has been nominated for the next Ryder Cup captain
by Montgomerie.
If Olazabal accepts this honour then he would lead the European team at Medinah, Illinois. Olazabal said that although, he is determined to serve the team but it was a tough job as the captain has to work along his 12 players and with health like his, it
could affect the overall performance of the team. So, the only condition on which he will accept this position will be his health.
"We have talked about it but there is just one issue and that is my health. I would love to do it, but you have to fulfil certain things,” said Olazabal. He added, "You need to be close to the players and play with them during the qualifying process. That
is why (health) is the only question mark."
About his experience at the 2010 Ryder Cup, he said that it was his first time as the vice captain and he could feel the difference of the crowd that greatly supported his team. He maintained that he had an amazing experience at Celtic Manor and was pleased
to be part of such a prestigious event.
Montgomerie insisted that Jose Maria take the command of European team as he is the rightful and most compatible candidate for it. Colin said, "He (Jose) watched what was done this time. He has notes over his playing career the same as mine - we both played
eight Ryder Cups, a lot of them together - he has a lot of experience as much as I have and I am sure he will do as good, if not a better, job than I did.”
Meanwhile, another possible candidate for the post, Darren Clarke has announced his un-availability for the European team for next two years. The Irishman hopes to be part of the playing squad of United States in future.
He told the reporters, "I want to try and play another one if I can. Jose Maria has been battling illness but if he can come back to proper form then all of Europe and all of this team would welcome him as captain in two years”
Finally, who will be the new captain of European team? Will that be Jose Maria Olazabal or some other guy? It seems that this question may well be answered in a few days.
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