• Ryder Cup

Love seeks inspiration from Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan has been a regular presence at Ryder Cups © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• Out of Bounds: Furyk a concern, but wildcards won't decide Cup
  
• News: Davis Love III names Ryder Cup wildcards
  
• News: McIlroy aiming to overhaul Tiger
  

United States Ryder Cup captain Davis Love III has revealed he will call upon perhaps the greatest American sportsman of all-time, Michael Jordan, to inspire his team.

Jordan, the six-time NBA champion basketball star, is an avid golfer - and has previously served as a captain's assistant at the Presidents Cup.

Love believes the 49-year-old, who is a legend in Chicago - the site of this year's Ryder Cup - for his play with the Bulls during a decorated career, will prove an inspirational force in the dressing room at Medinah.

As he announced his wildcard picks for the team on Tuesday, Love revealed that he had already approached Jordan about being heavily involved in the event.

"I've talked to him. Michael's going to be hanging around with Fred [Couples, one of Love's assistant captains] probably a lot and be an influence," Love said. "I told Michael this a couple weeks ago. One of the neatest things I ever saw in the Ryder Cup was Michael riding in the golf cart with Tom Kite. He came out to watch Freddie and I play and I thought that was one of the coolest things.

"So I want my team, like Fred and I did, to get to see Michael. Rather than him sneaking around in the gallery, I want him to be seen and I want him to be in our team room, be hanging around and be a great influence."

After adding four players - Steve Stricker, Jim Furyk, Dustin Johnson and Brandt Snedeker - to his 12-man team for the three-day event at the end of September, Love is confident he has a line-up capable of securing victory.

However, he admitted that it was difficult to call some players and tell them they would not be a part of his team.

"I've been on the receiving end a couple times of 'I didn't pick you, I'm sorry' phone calls, and they are tough," he noted. "It's probably the least thankful part of the job, but it's part of the job."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.