Thomas Bjorn confirmed as Europe's Ryder Cup captain

The 45-year-old from Denmark becomes the first Scandinavian to ever receive the honour.

Bjorn played in three Ryder Cups and has vice-captained at four - including the losing effort at Hazeltine earlier this year.

With Darren Clarke not being handed the reigns after his defeat, the captaincy was expected to be a choice of vice-captains Bjorn and Padraig Harrington. However, Harrington has confirmed that he hopes to get on the team as a player, leaving the combustible Dane as the standout candidate.

Age: 45

Nickname: The Great Dane

Pro wins: 21

Ryder Cup appearances: 3

Ryder Cup wins: 3 (1997, 2002, 2014)

Best Open result: 2nd (2000, 2003)

Best PGA result: 2nd (2005)

Best Masters result: 8th (2014)

Best US Open result: 22nd (2001)