Nick Faldo claims he has ''no idea'' whether he or Ian Woosnam will be picked to captain Europe's Ryder Cup team in 2006.
Bernhard Langer's decision not to seek a second term as captain at the K Club in Dublin next year appears to leave only former team-mates Faldo and Woosnam in the running, despite Sandy Lyle and Jose Maria Olazabal expressing an interest in the role.
Woosnam, who served as Sam Torrance's vice-captain when Europe regained the trophy at The Belfry in 2002, is believed to be the preferred choice of the Tour players' committee when they meet in Dubai on March 1 to discuss the issue.
Faldo, whose suitability for the role was questioned by 1999 captain Mark James after a good luck letter from the six-time major winner was thrown in a bin, withdrew from the last race to try to make the team again.
At the age of 47, however, he did not even come close to extending his record number of caps to 12.
Faldo, who struggled to a 78 in the first round of the Heineken Classic - ''I was so rusty I should be sponsored by WD40,'' he joked - was unaware of Langer's announcement until told by the media.
''I presume it's down to two of us now so we shall see what happens,'' said Faldo. ''I can't do anything. It's purely down to the decision of the Tour.''
Hartlepool's Graeme Storm was off to a good start, he is tied in 16th place, after an excellent two-under-par 69. Four birdies - including two on the 16th and 17th holes - set up him, although he dropped shots on holes 10 and 15.
Trevor Immelman, Australian Peter Lonard and England's Steve Webster shared the lead on six under par.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article