EUROPEAN CAPTAIN JOSE Maria Olazabal has appointed Miguel Angel Jimenez as his fourth assistant for the 2012 Ryder Cup.
Jimenez, who has won 18 titles on the European Tour, was hopeful of earning selection as a wild card, but missed the cut at this week’s Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles – the final qualifying event.
The Spaniard joins Thomas Bjorn, Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley as Olazabal’s assistant for the event, which will be held at the Medinah Country Club in Illinois next month.
“You know (Miguel) has a very simple and great philosophy – he always sees the positive side and makes people feel better,” Olazabal said.
“He shares with Thomas, Darren and Paul that passion, commitment and desire to win and like them I know he will encourage everyone in the team room.
“I now have four great friends behind me – four guys I know, four guys I trust and four guys familiar with this contest, which is so important because the Ryder Cup is unique.”
Jimenez has appeared in four Ryder Cups as a player and also served as an assistant to Seve Ballesteros in 1997.
“I remember being woken at 3am by Seve for team talks, so I hope Jose Maria hasn’t got the same thing in mind,” Jimenez said.
“I wouldn’t be telling the truth if I didn’t say that I would have liked to have been playing again – there is nothing to compare with that in the Ryder Cup – but next to that I couldn’t be happier.”
Olazabal will confirm his two wild card picks to face the United States on Monday.
-AFP
