Stenson just wants ‘best man for job’

Published on 11/01/2013 00:00

have been in the discussion leading up to the meeting, might not want to be captain this time around.”

If that was a reference to either Clarke or McGinley, then it is more likely to be the former as the 2011 Open champion has already said he’d prefer to play in the match in Pertshire.

Asked about Montgomerie, Stenson added: “No-one would question his passion for the Ryder Cup and the effort he put into the captaincy in 2010 and I am sure he would do the same and maybe more this time around if he was to be asked. So that might be a possible scenario.” I’d prefer to keep what I’d like to see happen to myself but there may have been some information in the last couple of days that we might consider it differently, so I still think it’s more open. It’s going to be a difficult decision as it is a very important position and you have to have the best man for the job, whether it be someone who’s been captain before or deserves it for their contribution to the European Tour and the Ryder Cup.”

The fear for those favouring McGinley is that he’s unlikely to get another chance if he misses out this time around. “Whether Gleneagles is Paul’s only chance, I am not too sure,” said Stenson. “It depends on where that player is at that stage of his career. Even if you’ve been a vice-captain it’s important you accept that reward and not be disappointed if you then are not appointed a captain.

“On the plus side for Paul, he has done all that prep work as a vice captain and at the Seve Trophy [as a winning captain]. But, at the end of the day, if it’s not your turn you have to accept the committee’s decision.”