There's a new sheriff ...

or at least a new captain for the European Ryder Cup juggernaut that rolled over the U.S. team last year at Oakland Hills.

That's because German golfer Bernhard Langer told the European bigwigs that would not return to the captaincy because he wants to play.

The 47-year-old Langer, a devout Christian and a two-time (U-S) Masters champion, led the Europeans to an 18 1/2 - 9 1/2 victory over the United States last year in Oakland Hills, Michigan.

Some heavy hitters could be vying to take his place including
former Masters champions Ian Woosnam of Wales, Nick Faldo of Britain, Jose Maria Olazabal of Spain, and Sandy Lyle of Britain. Europe plans to name its Ryder Cup team March first in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Tom Lehman is the U-S team captain. He will name his squad based on points awarded for a player's performances in tournaments and has two captain's picks. The Americans are looking to bounce back from two straight losses in the competition, 15 1/2 - 12 1/2 in 2002 and of course last year's debacle. But overall the Yanks lead the series after 35 matches, 24-9-2.

The 2006 Ryder Cup competition is September 22nd-to-24th on the K-Club course in Straffan, County Kildare, Ireland. Ironically, the course was designed by Arnold Palmer.

These matches were supposed to be played this year, but the whole schedule was put back one year because of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States.