The consistent Langer is still ranked in the world's top 50

Family commitments may rule Bernhard Langer out of the race to be European Ryder Cup captain in 2004.

Speaking at The Belfry, the venue of Europe's memorable 2002 win, Langer said: "I have two issues that are currently holding me back from putting my name forward.

"One is that I might like to play once more and the other is that my daughter will be going to college and she'll be starting at around that time.

"I would hate to miss that day when she leaves home and takes all her stuff off to college. I would like to be there for her."

Ian Woosnam, the 2002 vice-captain, is the only known candidate for the job so far, but Langer has been told he has until July to decide.

Ian [Woosnam] and I spoke privately about doing the next two Ryder Cups - one each, whichever way round it is Bernhard Langer

It was thought an announcement might come in two weeks' time at the Volvo PGA Championship, but the 45-year-old German added: "I think the captaincy will not be decided until the Open (in July)."

The matter is on the agenda for next week's European Tour tournament committee meeting in Germany and Langer may well argue there against a proposal that whoever is made captain cannot later stand down to play.

"Ian and I spoke privately about doing the next two Ryder Cups - one each, whichever way round it is.

"I don't think it hurts the tour or the Ryder Cup and Ian was very positive at first, but when they changed to 'if you're captain you can't play' then that made it different for us."

Whether that is still the case will be discussed next week, as will a change in the selection system to include five players off the world rankings rather than 10 off the European Order of Merit.

Langer is at The Belfry for the B&H International Open, which starts on Thursday. Nine of his 2002 Ryder Cup team-mates are also in the field.