Haas named US captain for 2015; Nick Price returns

RIDGEDALE, Mo. (AP) — Jay Haas will be going to the Presidents Cup for the fourth straight time, and this time he’ll be giving the speeches.

The PGA Tour selected Haas to be the U.S. captain for the 2015 matches in South Korea in what amounts to a role reversal. After three years as an assistant captain to Fred Couples — all three U.S. victories — Haas will in charge and Couples will be his assistant.

Nick Price was selected to return as captain for an International team that has one only once since this event began 20 years ago.

“I didn’t really aspire to be a captain — never thought that would be in the cards for me,” Haas said. “But being involved with the last three teams along with Fred … maybe thought someday that could happen. There’s so many people who are deserving of this seat right here. I just feel like I’m very blessed to be sitting here representing the United States. And hopefully, I won’t screw this thing up too badly.”

Couples had been captain three straight times, twice opposite Greg Norman and last year against Price at soggy Muirfield Village. The Americans won, 18½-15½, to remain unbeaten at home. The International team’s only win was in 1998 at Melbourne. The teams tied in 2003 in South Africa.

Haas played in the inaugural Presidents Cup in 1994, and was a captain’s pick for the 2003 team.

The Presidents Cup will be Oct. 8-11, 2015, at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea, the first time it has been held in Asia. The only continent where it has not been played (among those with players eligible for the International team) is in South America.

Price called last year a “learning experience” and was happy to get another chance.

“I just want to thank the players who were on the team last year because without them, I don’t think I’d be sitting here again,” he said, adding that PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem polled the players “so I must have done something right.”

Price appointed K.J. Choi of South Korea to be his vice captain. Choi played on three teams, but not since 2011.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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