Jimenez joins Olazabal's Ryder Cup backroom team

As widely expected, European Ryder Cup captain Jose Maria Olazabal has appointed fellow Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez as his fourth vice-captain for next month's Ryder Cup at Medinah, Illinois.

Jimenez joins McGinley, Clarke and Bjorn as Olazabal's back room teamGLENEAGLES, SCOTLAND, Aug 25, 2012 (AFP) - Jimenez joins Paul McGinley, Darren Clarke and Thomas Bjorn as Olazabal's back room team.

"Miguel's appointmet means I now have four world class golfers as my vice-captains," said Olazabal here on Saturday.

"They all have tremendous experience of playing in the Ryder Cup which is absolutely invaluable.

"Thomas, Darren and Paul were there with me supporting Colin Montgomerie in 2010 when we regained the Cup and Miguel made a huge contribution to the match including winning his singles.

"Miguel was also Seve's right hand man in 1997 and you know he has a very simple and great philosophy. He always sees the positive side and makes people feel better.

"He shares with Thomas, Darren and Paul that passion, commitment and desire to win and like them I know he will encourage everyone in the team room.

"I now have four great friends behind me.

"They are four guys I know, four guys I trust and four guys familiar with this contest which is so important because The Ryder Cup is unique."

Aside from a vice-captain to Seve Ballesteros in 1997 Jimenez has competed in four Ryder Cup's including success in 2004 and 2010.

"Fifteen years after being alongside Seve, it's great to be vice-captain to Jose Maria," he said.

"I remember being awoken at 3am by Seve for team talks so I hope Jose Maria hasn't got the same thing in mind.

"Seriously, I would not be telling the truth if I didn't say that I would have liked to have been playing again but then there is nothing to compare with that in The Ryder Cup.

"So next to that I could not be happier than to be a vice captain alongside Darren, Thomas and Paul."

All that is left for Olazabal is to name his two 'wildcard' picks at 12 noon UK time Monday and with most observers believing England's Ian Poulter and Belguim's Nicolas Colsaerts will be chosen.

The Ryder Cup will be held on September 28-30 at the Medinah Club in Chicago, Illonis.