(CNN) -- If it were a heavyweight boxing contest it would probably be ruled a mismatch. Paul McGinley versus Tom Watson. A cut-above European Tour player against a PGA Tour -- and just about everywhere else -- golfing legend. In the blue corner, a man with precisely zero major titles -- tied sixth his best finish. In the red, an eight-time major champion -- and so nearly nine, improbably aged almost 60, at the 2009 British Open. Ryder Cup captaincy experience? Next year is McGinley's first match in charge, although he was twice on winning sides as a vice-captain. Watson led the 1993 United States team which shocked Europe at its beloved Belfry to wrest back the famous trophy.
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Paul McGinley is captain of the European team for the 2014 Ryder Cup
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Europe retained trophy with epic win over the United States at Medinah in 2012
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The 46-year-old Irishman is still competing on the European Tour
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Golf legend Tom Watson takes charge of the United States team
"He's a detail man and that should make him a very good @placeholder captain," said Elliott.