Woosnam may skipper Europe again

He had always said that once would be enough, but successful European Ryder Cup captain Ian Woosnam today announced that he hadn't given up hope of leading the Europeans into battle against the Americans one more time.

The 48 year-old Welshman (pictured) masterminded Europe's record breaking third consecutive Ryder Cup victory last month in Ireland, marshalling his men to a comprehensive 18.5 to 9.5 win at a raucous and emotional K Club. Nick Faldo has already been confirmed as Woosnam's successor when the Europeans travel to Kentucky in 2008 to face the United States at Valhalla Country Club, but Woosnam is weighing up the possibility of becoming skipper again at some point after that.

"I did say that I would do it once and that would be it," he revealed.

"However, I can see circumstances in the future where it just might be possible for me to allow my name to go forward again for consideration as captain."

Whether that comes in 2010 at Celtic Manor in Woosnam's home country is to be decided, but Woosnam stated that the success of the event in Ireland should be enough to spur the Welsh into hosting another memorable renewal in four years time. Before that, he will attempt the unlikely feat of qualification for 2008 as one of Faldo's playing squad.

"I'm going to try and qualify for 2008 and I have got nothing to lose by saying that," he said.

"It may be a remote possibility, but I have not given up hope and intend to give it my best shot. After that, there is 2010 in Wales to look forward to. Ireland did a great job. They invested heavily in the Ryder Cup in order to maximise tourism and they have set the bar high. We'll have to match that and the whole of Wales is up for the challenge."