Lee Westwood rules himself OUT of becoming the next European Ryder Cup captain
"I'll continue to do all I can for the Europe cause as I've always tried to since my debut 24 years ago."
Lee Westwood has ruled himself out of becoming the next European Ryder Cup captain, according to the Daily Telegraph.
The 48-year-old was the favourite to succeed Padraig Harrington in the role after the Europeans were dismantled at Whistling Straits.
Westwood held back tears in their post-defeat press conference and revealed he didn't want it to be his last Ryder Cup as a player.
And it appears he still wants to concentrate on his golf before the Europeans look to get revenge in Rome in 2023.
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3 European Tour Order Of Merits
26 European Tour wins
10 Ryder Cup appearances
Lee Westwood is a European Tour legend.#DPWTC #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/OZpe2UNADG— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) December 14, 2020
Westwood told the Telegraph: "Of course it is not a decision I've taken lightly as it would be a huge honour to captain Europe and it is something I'd love to do one day.
"But it's almost a full-time job nowadays and that is something I can't commit to while I'm in the top 50 and still competitive. The Ryder Cup is very close to my heart and I would only take on the role if I believe I could give it 100 per cent.
"Whoever gets the job for Rome will obviously have my full backing and I'll continue to do all I can for the Europe cause as I've always tried to since my debut 24 years ago."
At Whistling Straits, Westwood made his record-equalling 11th appearance for Team Europe in their 19-9 defeat. He was one of only three players to win their singles matches.
With Westwood out of the running, the attention will turn to Harrington's replacement. Luke Donald, Robert Karlsson and Graeme McDowell are likely to be considered. All have played in Ryder Cups and served as vice-captains.
The captain is likely to be announced in early 2022.
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