Jose Maria Olazabal named Ryder Cup vice captain

Jose Maria Olazabal was named vice captain of the European Ryder Cup team for the fourth time.

"When you think of Jose Maria Olazabal, you immediately think of the Ryder Cup," European captain Luke Donald said Wednesday. "He brings amazing passion and I couldn't be more excited to have him on board."

Olazabal, the team captain in 2012 for the memorable comeback at Medinah, joins Donald and his three previous picks for vice captain spots: Thomas Bjorn, Edoardo Molinari and Nicolas Colsaerts.

Olazabal was a vice captain in 2008, 2010 and 2014 and played for Team Europe in the Ryder Cup seven times.

"It was a very nice surprise to be asked by Luke," said Olazabal, 57. "I didn't expect it but I was delighted when the call came. ... Our goal is to help Luke and the team perform well at this Ryder Cup."

The 2023 Ryder Cup will be played in Rome from Sept. 29-Oct. 1.