( CNN ) The U.S. is turning to a familiar -- but some would say unexpected -- name to lead its team at the next Ryder Cup : Davis Love III . Yes , even though Love was the losing captain as Europe rallied in 2012 in the Miracle at Medinah in Illinois , the 50-year-old will succeed Tom Watson at the 2016 edition at Hazeltine in Minnesota . He 'll go up against Darren Clarke , who last week got the nod for Europe . Love was unveiled Tuesday , about five months after the PGA of America set up a Ryder Cup task force in the wake of another loss to Europe in golf 's most prestigious team event . Love himself was part of the 11-person committee , joining the likes of Tiger Woods , Phil Mickelson and past captains Tom Lehman and Raymond Floyd . Love named Lehman as a vice-captain . `` I am here with the same goal as in 2012 but not as the same captain , '' Love told reporters . `` It is a great honor to be in the position to help build the team , but our mission does n't end there . What we accomplish in 2016 at Hazeltine must serve as the foundation for future USA Ryder Cup teams , '' Love said separately in a statement . The 2012 Ryder Cup will no doubt serve as motivation . With the U.S. seemingly coasting to victory -- holding a 10-6 lead entering the final day -- Europe won eight of the last 12 matches to eke out a 14 1/2-13 1/2 win . And when the U.S. was unable to overturn its skid last year at Gleneagles in Scotland , it meant a sixth defeat in the last seven Ryder Cups . Given the record it 's not surprising that criticism followed , but no one quite expected Mickelson to lay into Watson -- who was yards away -- at a post series press conference . Mickelson attended Tuesday 's press conference with Love . Woods skipped the 2014 Ryder Cup as he recovered from a back injury and who knows if the slumping 14-time major champion will return next year . He 's currently taking a break from golf . He , though , gave his backing to Love . `` I want to congratulate Davis on his selection , '' Woods said in a statement . `` I have great respect for him as a person , player and captain . I know he 'll do an outstanding job leading the 2016 U.S. team . `` I 'm proud of what the task force accomplished , making substantive changes in the Captain 's selection process and qualifying system . '' As a player , Love played in six Ryder Cups and compiled a singles record of three wins and a loss , halving two matches .
Davis Love III to captain the U.S. at the 2016 Ryder Cup . Love was the losing captain in the Miracle at Medinah in 2012 . Europe has won six of the last seven Ryder Cups . Northern Ireland 's Darren Clarke was last week named Europe 's captain .