GOLF/Ryder Cup: Nick Faldo may find soon that his is not the only name in the hat to be Europe's next Ryder Cup captain. Bernhard Langer, a member of this year's side at The Belfry, said yesterday that he is to consider making himself available as Sam Torrance's successor as well.

"I've always said that I'd like to be captain once I don't think I can play myself into the team," stated Langer. "I'm getting to that stage now. I'm going to be 47 in two years' time and I think it's unlikely I would make the side - and certainly not when I'm 49.

"So I'm not sure whether it's 2004 or some other year, but I would love to do it."

Langer had originally hoped that he might be captain of the first-ever Ryder Cup in Germany, but Europe's Ryder Cup Committee decided last year that after Ireland in 2006 the next two home matches would be in Wales and Scotland.

The earliest the Germans could play hosts therefore is 2018 - and Langer would be 61.

Faldo has made no secret of his desire to lead the team at Oakland Hills in Detroit in 2004, but with a decision expected soon after September's match, Langer knows he needs to give the matter some thought.

"I've not done so yet, but I will and I'll find out the process," added the highly-respected player, a member of the tour's tournament committee. Torrance has made it plain that, just like his predecessors Mark James and Seve Ballesteros, his term of office ends after just one match.