Langer gets my vote

Langer with his team-mates in 2002.

The German - twice US Masters champion - is hotly tipped to get the nod from the European Tour players committee who meet to announce the next captain of Europe's Ryder Cup team.

Ian Woosnam is his nearest rival for the job but lacks Langer's diplomacy, especially after admitting getting involved in an ugly brawl in a Jersey pub recently. Despite being Sam Torrance's Lieutenant at The Belfry last year, the incident may even count against him when the captain is selected for Wales in 2010.

As a player who once told me he can remember almost every professional shot he's played, Woosie will appreciate that golfers have long memories.

The match against the Americans at Oakland Hills, Michigan in September 2004 is bound to stir up fervour by the partisan home crowd and it will need a cool head to both lead the team and handle the pressure on and off the course.

Woosie's been a great player and is highly respected by the players, the press and the public, but Langer would get my vote.

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Another Ryder Cup captaincy story has also emerged with Colin Montgomerie - favourite for the job at The K Club in Ireland in 2006 - suggesting his coach and mentor Denis Pugh could be his second in command.

It might put the noses of Irish supporters out of joint - hoping that Christy O'Connor Jr, Eamonn Darcy or Des Smyth might get Monty's job - but it makes a lot of sense to me.

I've known Denis for over ten years and as well as being a lovely fella who'll always stop for a chat, he can handle himself with the media as a Sky Sports pundit and as an instructor knows how to get the best out of golfers.

Incidentally Mark O'Meara looks favourite to captain the Americans in Ireland. He loves the place, is always welcomed by the Irish for introducing the country to Tiger Woods and despite rivalry from Paul Azinger, Tom Lehman and Corey Pavin, would be the ultimate diplomat.