Le Cléac'h, whose sailing career began in 1999, improved the time set by François Gabart in the famous sailing race last January, sealing her trip around the world in just over 74 days. The native of Saint-Pol-de-Léon, in Finistère, completed his solo journey, non-stop and without assistance, four days faster than the previous record, set in 2013.

The Banque Populaire skipper is delighted to share his passion for golf and the Ryder Cup: “It is a pride to be the Ryder Cup ambassador in France next year and to be present at this world event. I am very happy to be part of this adventure and to show that golf is open to everyone and that it gives emotions as in any sport. It will be a great honor to follow this very, very high level competition at Golf National. It's going to be fantastic with a crazy vibe. It is up to us, the French and European public to push our team to achieve a historic victory which would be the first in France. "

Ryder Cup European captain Thomas Bjørn said: “With 500 days from the start of the 2018 Ryder Cup, the appointment of Armel Le Cléac'h as the first official Ryder Cup Ambassador is timely. His performance in the Vendée Globe, the new record he set at the start of the year, are remarkable in every way and I hope to see the same level of determination and the same skill among the members of the European team who will face the United States in 16 months. I know how much admiration Armel arouses among the French public and we hope to receive the same support from not only French fans but from all over Europe in September, when we meet at Golf National ”.

To know more : www.rydercup.com