European Ryder Cup captain Bernhard Langer today said he is in no rush to name his vice-captain after being caught out by the speed of his appointment.
Langer only confirmed he wanted to be considered for the skipper role a fortnight ago during the Open championship at Royal St George's.
The 45-year-old was up against Ian Woosnam and Sandy Lyle for the right to succeed Sam Torrance as captain at Oakhill in 2004 and it was thought the decision might not be taken until much nearer the start of the qualifying period in September.
But Langer was suddenly named as captain during the first round of last week's Irish Open at Portmarnock in Dublin and admitted he had had little time to consider his options.
"It was kind of a surprise that I found out that quickly, I thought it would happen in another week or so and I have spent time with my family," said Langer.
"I will think about vice-captain and other help I might need in the next few weeks and months, there is no immediate rush to make that decision.
"The vice-captain would have nothing to do at this stage anyway so we've got lots of time."
Langer, in Malmo preparing for the Scandic Carlsberg Scandinavian Masters which gets under way tomorrow, added: "I played in 10 Ryder Cups as a player (one short of Nick Faldo's record) and I took a lot of time to think whether I should have another go at playing or whether I want to contend as a captain.
"It was not easy but I came up with the conclusion that it's the right time for me to be captain and I was very pleased with the support I got from the committees.
"I understand it was unanimous which is great news for me and I'm very excited about the prospect and the challenge it represents."