Updated

Thomas Bjorn is the first Scandinavian to be appointed captain of Europe's Ryder Cup team.

The 45-year-old Dane will lead the team against the United States in 2018 at Le Golf National in Paris after being chosen by a five-man panel, including Europe's past three captains.

Bjorn says "I have lived and breathed the European Tour for so long, and now I will do the same with the Ryder Cup for the next two years. I'm very much looking forward to taking on this task."

A 15-time European Tour winner, Bjorn has played in three Ryder Cups and been a vice captain in four matches. That includes this year's 17-11 loss to the United States at Hazeltine.