Ryder Cup captains Thomas Bjorn and Jim Furyk will battle it out for the right to lead their teams to glory at Le Golf National this weekend.
Here, we take a look at how both managers compare ahead of golf’s most prestigious team competition.
PLAYING RECORD
Bjorn won the Ryder Cup three times as a player and was a vice-captain on four occasions – three of which were also winning teams.
The 45-year-old has had an illustrious career on the European Tour winning 15 titles – and 26 in total.
The Dane reached World No17 as a player and remains the only man to play 72 holes with Tiger Woods and beat him.
Furyk – a former World No2 in 2006 – has five less career wins than Bjorn but the fact he was a major winner in 2003 tops the European captain’s achievements as a player.
On the Ryder Cup stage though, Furyk has only won three times in nine appearances and boasts an unattractive record of 17 defeats in his 30 matches, in comparison to Bjorn’s four defeats in nine matches.
SELECTION
It’s hard to argue with Furyk’s team selection, opting for form and experience with his four wildcard picks.
The same can’t be said of Bjorn, with much criticism around his wildcards leading into the tournament.
Of course, the experience of Ian Poulter, Paul Casey and Henrik Stenson is understandable, based on what they can bring to the table on and off the golf course, but it was the inclusion of Sergio Garcia that was most baffling.
The Spaniard missing all four cuts in this year’s majors and no top-10 finishes since the French Open three months ago.
His experience of playing in eight Ryder Cups may prove invaluable, but given the sparkling form of Matt Wallace and consistency of Rafa Cabrera-Bello and Thomas Pieters, it was hard to understand why one of the three were not selected ahead of him.
It’s a gamble that could end up being a complete flop of a call or a tactical masterclass.
MANAGEMENT STYLE
The Dane is a long-time Liverpool fan and intends to tap into the Jurgen Klopp style of management in an attempt to win back the cup for his continent.
He is a relaxed and outspoken character and will try to use his vast knowledge and experience of playing and managing in six victorious Ryder Cup teams in a bid to unlock the best from his team.
Furyk, in contrast, is a slightly more reversed and emotional figure, and will try to blend the diverse personalities for the common good.
The loyal Florida man will give his players every opportunity to be successful, while leaning on the vast experiences of his vice-captains.
His players cannot speak high enough about his laidback but also influential approach.
