Jacklin backs Faldo for Ryder Cup captain

Nick Faldo's ambition to become Europe's next Ryder Cup captain has been boosted by a glowing reference from former skipper Tony Jacklin.

The 44-year-old winner of six majors was a key member of Jacklin's Ryder Cup teams in the Eighties, most notably the 1987 side that won on U.S. soil for the first time ever.

"They should make Nick the next captain. He would be perfect," Jacklin said in an interview in the Mail on Sunday.

"Now is the perfect time for him to be made captain. He is enormously experienced and has all the credentials, especially as the match will be played in the United States."

Jacklin was one of the most successful European Ryder Cup captains, leading a winning team at the Belfry in 1985, Muirfield Village, Ohio two years later and retaining the trophy at the Belfry in 1989 after a thrilling draw.

Despite not holding any position of power on the European Tour, the 57-year-old's opinions on Ryder Cup issues are still extremely valued and he has no doubts about Faldo.

"You need someone who knows America and is comfortable there," he said. "Nick fits the bill better than anyone.

"I hope the younger members of the players' committee have a full appreciation of the history of the event and are not influenced the wrong way."

The successor to current captain Sam Torrance, who will lead the team at the Belfy in September, will be made in the next six months by the Ryder Cup committee, although the Tournament Players' committee, headed by Mark James, will play a leading role in the decision.

James left out Faldo in 1999 when he was captain, prompting a much-publicised falling out between the former team mates.

But Jacklin said that should not stand in the way of Faldo's bid for captaincy.

"Nick would have the courage to make the decisions that have to be made. I don't think he would have any qualms about doing what is right for the team."

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