Torrance and Olazabal to lead Seve Trophy teams

Jose Maria Olazabal and Sam Torrance will lead the respective teams in the Seve Trophy in France this October.

European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley has selected his predecessor in the role, Olazabal, to lead the Continental Europe team and Torrance to lead Great Britain and Ireland at St-Nom-La Breteche Golf Club from October 3-6.

McGinley, looking to emulate Olazabal’s victory when he captains Europe in the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles next year, led GB&I to a 15.5-12.5 victory in the Seve Trophy two years ago.

McGinley said: “I am delighted to name Jose Maria and Sam as captains. They are two men I have the utmost respect for and who I’ve benefited from over the years. I know they will do a fine job.”

Olazabal said: “Everyone knows how much I love team golf such as this and therefore it was a big honour when I got the call.”

Olazabal enjoyed a great playing partnership and friendship with fellow Spaniard Seve Ballesteros after whom the competition is named.

“Everyone knew my relationship with Seve, through both the Ryder Cup and this contest, and therefore to be part again of team golf will be great. It’s always good to see players in a match play format and it is a great experience for them,” he said.

Torrance added: “It’s a great honour. It’s been 11 years since I took charge of the Ryder Cup team and so you can imagine I’m really looking forward to this - it’s tremendous.”

Having won the last six matches in succession GB&I will look to Torrance to keep that run going when the tournament makes a third successive appearance at the Paris venue.