Azinger will come up against rival captain Nick Faldo next year

Floyd, 64, played in eight Ryder Cups and 65-year-old Stockton appeared twice while Browne, 48, was chosen because of his close links with the players.

"I'm really counting on all three of these guys," said Azinger.

Europe are aiming for their fourth consecutive win in next year's event in Kentucky from 16 to 21 September.

Azinger added: "I'm going to lean on them to be with the players, talk to the players and do the things I can't do.

606: DEBATE What do you think of Azinger's choices?

"Raymond and Dave were both captains on Ryder Cup teams that I played on. I'm going to count on them heavily given their past experience.

"Olin is one of the smartest men I know. He started golf at a later age but has been very successful at this level.

"He's a contemporary. He's in touch with the players. He knows what's going on out here. All of the players love him."