11.  Granted, there is a long way to go, but it appears Strange is in a better position than European captain Sam Torrance.

12.  He expects Sam Torrance to be the European captain.

13.  In two years, when the teams meet again in Valderrama Golf Club in Sotogrande, Spain, the likelihood is that Seve Ballesteros will be the European captain.

14.  Just as European captains Ballesteros, Bernard Gallacher, and Tony Jacklin knew it before him.

15.  Last month, while European captain Bernard Gallacher was announcing his two at-large selections, he took this swipe at the Yanks.

16.  Sam Torrance, the Scotsman who is the current European captain, tried to save his friend, James.

17.  Seve Ballesteros, the European captain, was a much more commanding presence on the course than his analytical counterpart, Tom Kite.

18.  That does not excuse the improper Bostonian who, according to the wife of Mark James, the European captain, spat at her.

19.  The European captain continued to play down his contributions.

20.  The European captain, who has played on seven Ryder Cup teams, said he is resigning.