McGinley Also Baffled By Team USA's Early Vice Captain Picks

In an appearance with Sky during the Race to Dubai final, winning 2014 Ryder Cup Captain Paul McGinley was understandably baffled by the baffling Team USA decision to announce three active(ish) players as Vice Captains for the 2016 Ryder Cup to go with Tom Lehman (previously announced).

Ryan Lavner at GolfChannel.com transcribes McGinley's comments that included an assumption that this was a task force-related move, but it oddly establishes Woods as a ceremonial golfer for the time being and announces Jim Furyk as a maybe, even though he is one of America's best players.

“But I’m surprised that they’ve done it so early. Normally, in Europe, we might announce one or two vice captains well in advance, but we don’t really until the 11th hour. We give everyone the best chance they have of making the team.”

McGinley pointed to Jim Furyk, who turns 46 in May but is still one of the Americans’ best players. Furyk won his first tournament since 2010 at the RBC Heritage, was one of the top contenders for the FedEx Cup before a wrist injury, and currently sits 10th in the Ryder Cup points standings. He has a 10-20-4 record in nine appearances in the biennial event.

“Is his mind going to be swayed by the fact that he was announced early as a vice captain?” McGinley said. “We’re going to have to wait and see. But it is a bit strange.”

Love said the move was made because the captain and his team have to "get to work."

You know, fitting each Vice Captain for a cart, an IFB so that they can hear all back channel chats and, of course, learning how to drive a cart carrying four instead of the usual two.