SWINDON’S two-time Ryder Cup winner David Howell says the appointment of Padraig Harrington as Europe’s next team captain was a “no-brainer”.

Irishman Harrington, who has won three Major titles during his career, was announced as the man to lead Europe at the 2020 edition of the bi-annual competition last week.

Europe will travel to Whistling Straits, Wisconsin, in September of next year in an attempt to defend the trophy they claimed in Paris four months ago.

Harrington featured in both of Howell’s Ryder Cup appearances – wins for Europe on American soil at Oakland Hills in 2004 and at the K Club in Ireland two years later – and the Swindon-born golfer has unhindered belief that the Irishman is capable of bringing further success to the continent.

“It’s not often you get a no-brainer in this situation, but this really was,” said Howell.

“Padraig was the standout candidate, bearing in mind that Lee Westwood is a bit younger and potentially looking at the one after 2020.

“It’s a great appointment and he will have as good a chance as anyone to get that elusive away victory in the Ryder Cup, which are never easy to come by.”

Howell and Harrington both turned professional in 1995 and have grown up playing in many of the same events on the European Tour.

The 43-year-old believes Harrington’s alternative way of thinking will serve him well as he strives to give Team Europe their fifth win on US soil.

“I have known Padraig since I was 16 and he has been so professional. He sees things a bit differently to a lot of people and is a little quirky, which might well be great as a captain,” said Howell.

“He has played in so many Ryder Cups and been vice captain a number of times now, he knows everything there is to know about the event.

“I think he is going to do a great job and he is a good away captain as well. He has done well in America and I think the American crowds really respect him.”