Sandy Lyle joins Ryder Cup Captain's race

Former Open and Masters champion Sandy Lyle has joined the race to be Europe's next Ryder Cup golf captain.

The 44-year-old Scot, who played in five Ryder Cups between 1979 and 1987, announced his plans at the B and H International Open this weekend.

The captain is expected to be named at the British Open in July.

"I still want to be involved and now is the time for me to be captain," said Lyle, who goes into the tournament's last round 13 strokes adrift of joint leaders Padraig Harrington, Stephen Scahill and England's Paul Casey.

"I don't want to wait until I am in my 50s because it is important that the captain is still in touch with the players and knows what is going on.

"I played a lot in America and I think that will be an advantage.

"I have a house over there and I would have the chance to check the condition of the course.

"I have no idea if I have a chance because up to now it has seemed to be a straight choice between (Ian) Woosnam and (Bernhard) Langer.

"I think I would make a good captain and I want to be considered."

Langer admitted last week he was having second doubts about going for the captaincy.

One reason was he wanted to spend more time with his daughter who will be leaving for college at the same time as the Ryder Cup.

He also still harboured hopes that he could still make the team.

Lyle has no such hopes.

The Scot has been in golf's wilderness for several years after he became tampering with what many experts, including Seve Ballesteros, thought was one of the most natural swings in the game.

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