And, in an unusual move, Nick Faldo was named as European captain for the big golf event of 2008 in Louisville, Kentucky.
As widely predicted Woosnam, who lost out to Bernhard Langer for the 2004 match, will be in charge for Europe’s defence of the trophy at the K Club near Dublin in September next year.
The Welshman, who served as Sam Torrance’s assistant at The Belfry in 2002 and played eight times against the Americans, was preferred to former team-mates Faldo and Sandy Lyle.
‘What a fantastic way to celebrate my birthday, my wife and I are absolutely delighted.
The Ryder Cup has been a big part in our lives and it is a huge honour to be named captain of the European team,’ said Woosnam.
‘It makes me feel very proud, especially as Wales has such a great tradition of producing Ryder Cup captains.
‘I have enjoyed the thrill of playing under three superb captains and I can’t tell you how much I missed not being involved last year.’
