Can Langer retain the Ryder Cup he helped win in 2002? Full story: Langer named captain

The German is a veteran of 10 Ryder Cups, stretching from 1983 to last year's momentous victory for Europe at the Belfry.

In that time, he has become the most successful foursomes players in Cup history and racked up 24 points out of a possible 42.

But does that experience and success make him the right choice as captain as Europe attempt to retain the Cup on American soil?

Colin Montgomerie would almost certainly say yes.

The Scot, one of the few to rival Langer for experience, was lavish in his praise of his playing partner after the pair led the way in Europe's 2002 Cup win.

"People thought our pairing was a 50-50 thing that week but it wasn't. He was in charge and I was very happy about that," Montgomerie said.

"Very few people can take control of Bernhard and I wasn't about to try. I did what I was told and, to be fair, it seemed to work pretty well. He is an amazingly strong character."

It is a brave man who tells the sometimes spiky Montgomerie what to do - but Langer's mental fortitude is hardly surprising.

Langer bounced back from Ryder Cup agony in 1991 Langer's pedigree in pictures

In 1991, Europe's hopes rested on Langer in the final singles match at Kiawah Island.

Needing to win to give Europe a 14-14 tie, Langer missed a six-foot putt on the final green which would have retained the cup for Europe.

The image of Langer's face etched with agony remains the most enduring of the quietly spoken 45-year-old, despite his countless acts of heroism for the Ryder Cup cause.

But Langer went on to win a tournament immediately after that disappointment, one of over 60 titles he has picked up in his career, including US Masters wins in 1985 and 1993.

In between times, he has battled with the putting 'yips' with a steely determination that has gained him the respect of his peers.

Thus, even in the simmering atmosphere of Ryder Cup competition, it will take an act of momentous proportions to ruffle the feathers of the ice-cool German.

Sandy Lyle, one of his rivals for the captaincy, conceded that Langer was the right choice - describing him as "very methodical".

Mark James, the 1999 European captain, highlighted Langer's links with America, where he now lives.

Bernhard is one of the ultimate competitors in golf - someone I'm proud to call a friend US captain Hal Sutton

"I think he was the obvious choice because of his connections in America and he has an American wife," he said.

But Langer's dedication to the European cause is not in question, particularly against a side captained by a long-time rival.

Hal Sutton has twice lost Ryder Cup matches to the German, the most recent being Langer's final match for Europe in 2002.

Sutton says he is looking forward to renewing a friendly rivalry.

"I owe him one and I expect to solicit the help of the 12 best American players to get a little revenge at Oakland Hills for the beatings he gave me," he said.

"Seriously though, it is an honour to captain the United States team against the European team led by Bernhard, who is someone I'm proud to call a friend as well as a respected golf opponent.

"Bernhard is one of the ultimate competitors in golf, possessing all the intangibles of what it takes to produce teamwork."

And if any of his team is seeking calm amid a Ryder Cup storm, a quick glance at Langer should provide it.