If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Jose Maria Olazabal's backroom team for next month's Ryder Cup in Chicago will feature the same trio of men who were part of Colin Montgomerie's victorious set-up of 2010 at Celtic Manor.
As expected, Olazabal, the Europe team captain who was himself one of Montgomerie's aides in Wales two years ago, has gone for Thomas Bjorn, Paul McGinley and Darren Clarke as vice-captains for the biennial contest with the USA at Medinah.
Now we await the name of the fourth deputy, who will be announced on the Monday after next weekend's Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles when Olazabal will also unveil his two wild card picks.
Miguel Angel Jimenez, the Spanish stalwart who was a vice-captain to Seve Ballesteros during Europe's 1997 cup triumph at Valderrama, would be the obvious choice. There is also the possibility that Sergio Garcia, one of Montgomerie's assistants at Celtic Manor, could be given the role again. The 32-year-old sits on the fringes of automatic selection as a player – he is one place behind Ian Poulter on the world points list – and could still force his way into the side with a strong showing at this week's Wyndham Championship in the US.
Garcia, who has played in five Ryder Cups, still remains a favourite for one of the captain's picks should he fail in his automatic assault, yet his form over the past few months has been far from dazzling and Olazabal has been keeping a concerned eye on his erratic countryman.
"I could not be more delighted than to have Thomas, Darren and Paul as vice-captains, especially as we bonded so well supporting Colin in 2010," said Olazabal of a triumvirate that has played in a total of 10 Ryder Cups among them.
"Their passion, their commitment and desire to win will encourage everyone in the team room and, for me, it is so important to have guys you know, guys you trust, guys familiar with this contest because the Ryder Cup is unique."
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