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GOLF | RYDER CUP

Who are Team USA and Team Europe's captains for the 2021 Ryder Cup?

The USA and European teams have been confirmed for the Ryder Cup later this month, but who are the captains and vice captains of each team?

Update:
VIRGINIA WATER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 12: Team Europe Ryder Cup Captain Padraig Harrington pictured with his captains pick during Day Four of The BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Golf Club on September 12, 2021 in Virginia Water, England. (Photo by Andrew
Andrew RedingtonGetty Images

The 2021 Ryder Cup is quickly approaching and both teams have been named ahead of Day 1 on 24 September. The United States will play against Europe at Whistling Straits from 24-26 September.

Team USA Ryder Cup team

Team USA finalised their squad on Wednesday. Captain Steve Stricker has selected Jordan Spieth and Xander Schauffele among his wildcard picks. Schauffele was one of four rookies chosen by Stricker along with Harris English, Daniel Berger, and Scottie Scheffler, with Tony Finau completing the captain's picks.

Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Collin Morikawa, Bryson DeChambeau, Justin Thomas and Patrick Cantlay had already booked their places to this year's event.

Team USA's vice captains are Phil Mickelson, Jim Furyk, Zach Johnson, Davis Love III and Fred Couples.

Team Europe Ryder Cup team

Luke Donald, Martin Kaymer, Robert Karlsson, Graeme McDowell and Henrik Stenson are captain Padraig Harrington's vice captains. Stenson was named as Europe's fifth and final vice captain for the Ryder Cup.

"It's a great honour to get the call and to be involved with Team Europe. I've been part of five Ryder Cup teams in the past and to be given the opportunity as a vice-captain to help Europe's quest to retain the Ryder Cup is exciting.

"Padraig called me on Monday morning and it was not a long conversation. I accepted straight away and I assured him that myself, along with the other vice-captains, are there to help and assist him and the team in any way we can," said Stenson.

Rose left out

Justin Rose was the big-name omission as Harrington finalised Europe's squad to face the USA. Harrington has selected Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter and Shane Lowry as his wildcard picks, but there is no place for Justin Rose on the 12-player roster.

Bernd Wiesberger, Poulter, Garcia and Lowry join Jon Rahm, Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton, Paul Casey, Matt Fitzpatrick, Rory McIlroy, Lee Westwood and Viktor Hovland in a bid to defeat the United States.

"I am absolutely thrilled with my team, with all of our picks we have the strongest 10, 11 and 12 we've ever had," Harrington said.

Europe are looking to retain the trophy at Whistling Straits following their 17.5-10.5 triumph over team USA in Paris in 2018.

Tournament format changes

The event started back in 1927 and up until 1971, golfers Great Britain were the opposition. The next three Ryder Cups, from 1973-77, added players from Ireland. Current captain Harrington hails from Dublin, Ireland.

The Americans won 18 and lost three, with one tie, across that period before a full European team was first fielded in 1979. The USA won the first three after that format change but Europe are 11-5-1 since 1985.