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Harrington tabs Karlsson as first European Ryder Cup vice captain

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VIRGINIA WATER, England – Most agree that Padraig Harrington will be an unpredictable Ryder Cup captain next year for Europe, but on Wednesday he adhered to the status quo.

Harrington named Robert Karlsson his first vice captain following the Swede’s stint as an assistant for Thomas Bjorn last year in Paris.

“Anybody who was involved in 2018 in the backroom staff would see this as a no-brainer pick,” Harrington said. “He’s very logical, very straight. Doesn’t let the emotions, he’s playing to the stereotype to be honest. He doesn’t let the emotions get involved. A brilliant vice captain.”


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Karlsson played in the Ryder Cup twice in 2006 and ’08 and was partnered with Harrington at Valhalla in foursomes.

Harrington said he plans to name five vice captains, which is the maximum allowed under the captain’s agreement, and said he has a pretty good idea who he will pick.

“It wouldn’t take a genius to start picking out who would be the vice captains,” he said.