Torrance keeps options open

Torrance could yet be persuaded to stay on

Victorious Ryder Cup captain Sam Torrance has left the door open for a change of heart over his decision to stand down from the position ahead of the next event.

But the indications are the Scot will stick with his original decision, announced well before this year's triumph.

Torrance told the awaiting media on Monday that thoughts regarding his future as Ryder Cup captain could not be further from his mind at the moment.

But words of encouragement from members of the victorious European team and even his own son are unlikely to be sufficient to tempt him to stay on.

The lure of the Senior tour

I think it's somebody else's turn

Sam Torrance

"I really don't think I will do it, to be honest," said Torrance, who becomes eligible for Seniors golf on his 50th birthday next August.

"A few of the players asked me last night - but they were drunk!

"This is not the time to decide. I'm not saying 'no' yet, but I think it's somebody else's turn.

Who should be next captain?

Leading candidates to take over the captaincy if Torrance does decide to stand down are Nick Faldo, Ian Woosnam and Bernhard Langer.

Torrance insists that Langer, who was a key figure in the weekend's winning side, has the qualities to take over.

"The way he played was quite unbelievable. I am certain he will be captain, but when I don't know. He will make a fantastic captain," added Torrance.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson led the tributes to Torrance, hailing Europe's victory as "magnificent".

Ferguson said: "I'm really delighted for Sam. I have known him since he was a young lad. We used to go to Largs and played with his father, who is a pro there.

"That was a long time ago. I'm very pleased for him. He showed he was never in a panic. He was in control and it's good to see someone in control.

"I don't think I have been gripped in a sport other than football in the way I was. It was incredible. At times it was almost perfection."

When I got to the green Sam said 'do it for me'

Paul McGinley

Philip Price, conqueror of world number two Phil Mickelson, was keen to show his appreciation for the belief Torrance showed in him.

Sam praises team

Price said: "I thank Sam Torrance for treating me like I was a serious member of the team, not just some guy who was out of form that just got on the team.

"I just felt I wanted to make a contribution and I wasn't sure I was going to.

"To hang on like I did against Phil was the best I've ever played. This was my biggest golfing achievement."

And Torrance was delighted for Price. He declared the Welshman "came out of the shadows along with Paul McGinley and became a hero".

McGinley holed from eight feet for par on the 18th to halve his match with Jim Furyk and ensure Europe would regain the trophy.

"When I got to the green Sam said 'do it for me' and I knew then that it wasn't won. I knew then a half point would be good enough," said McGinley.

"Standing over the putt I knew what was at stake. It was a mixture of excitement, adrenalin and focus, all those things combined.

"This is my chance, this is my opportunity and I relished it," he added.

Email Ryder Cup queries to Tony Adamson