Ryder, the next big thing for Smyth
Written by JDPGlobal | Thursday, 30 June 2005
The general expectation is that Des Smyth will be named vice-captain of the European team at the 2006 Ryder Cup. The announcement is expected before the start of European Open at Ireland's K Club, the venue for the 2006 Ryder Cup. The deputy post is seen as a training ground for future team captains.
Smyth, who plays on the Champions Tour in the United States, has won two events, the SBC Classic and the Legends of Golf, and is sixth on the money list with $833,631 (£455,000). He is considered as media friendly and articulate and a good performer at the American circuits.
After turning pro in 1974, he won nine tournaments in Europe and was a member of two losing Ryder Cup teams in 1979 and 1981. He also holds the record as the oldest winner on the tour after his victory at the 2001 Madeira Island Open aged 48 years and 34 days.
But, with Nick Faldo being named as captain for 2008 and Colin Montgomerie and José María Olazábal earmarked for 2010 and 2012, not to forget other candidates including Eamonn Darcy and Christy O'Connor Jnr, it seems that Smyth will have to bide his time to be the captain.
