Thomas Bjorn announces four new Ryder Cup Vice Captains

Thomas Bjorn has announced four more assistants to support him in his bid to return the Ryder Cup to Europe.

Lee Westwood, Padraig Harrington, Luke Donald and Graeme McDowell will join the previously named Robert Karlsson as his vice captains.

Lee Westwood commented:

"I am sure it is going to be a very different experience for me, but I am relishing having a role in helping Europe win in Paris and, in particular, assisting Thomas in his role as captain. Of course, my ideal scenario is that I hit a hot streak of form over the summer and force my way in to the team. But quite honestly, as long as I am able to contribute to the 2018 European team in some way, I am going to be happy.”

Europe has not lost on home soil since 1993, but Bjorn will be taking nothing for granted, even though his team is shaping up nicely.

Tiger Woods, Steve Stricker and Davis Love III have already been named as Jim Furyk’s assistants, but he still has two more still to be announced.

Harrington has played on six teams, and has been an assistant captain the last three times.

"We know each other really well, especially in the context of being part of the intense pressures of the backroom team in Ryder Cup week," Harrington said.

Donald and McDowell have both played on four winning teams for Europe.

"I know that I can contribute a huge amount to the team this year given my experience at the venue and appearances in past Ryder Cups," McDowell said.

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