Wednesday 11 January 2017 21:31, UK
Jim Furyk's first duty as US Ryder Cup captain was to appoint Davis Love III as his first assistant captain for the 2018 contest in France.
Love was a surprise choice to lead the team at Hazeltine National following the devastating defeat to Europe at Medinah in 2012, but he proved inspirational as the Americans regained the trophy for the first time in eight years with a comprehensive 17-11 win in Minnesota.
Furyk and Love were both part of the US "task force" that was set up by the PGA of America after Europe claimed a third successive victory under Paul McGinley at Gleneagles in 2014.
Love made six consecutive Ryder Cup appearances as a player between 1993 and 2004, while he was also a vice-captain to Corey Pavin at Celtic Manor in 2010 ahead of his two stints as outright captain.
After being confirmed as US captain for 2018, Furyk announced that Love was his first appointment to his backroom team as he attempts to guide his side to a first win in Europe since 1993.
"The committee set a nice system in place. I have a lot of support and a lot of access and resources behind me, and I plan on using all those to their fullest," said Furyk.
"It's comforting for me as a captain. I remember sitting in the room and knowing in my heart that Davis Love was the best person to lead this team in 2016. And Davis, he's going to be a very tough act to follow.
"He put a system in place, got the players behind it, and definitely won't make my task easy. But it makes it more comforting knowing there is a system in place and there is support.
"So I want to make sure that everybody knows that Davis Love III will be my vice captain for 2018. He's a good friend, someone I've looked up to and admired throughout the years, and someone that every young professional could model themselves after.
"To have him by my side and his advice and his experience, two captaincies, and I think one vice captaincy, is going to be priceless for me. So I'm thankful to have him by my side."
