The previous oldest U.S. captain was the legendary Sam Snead, who was 57 when he oversaw his nation's retention of the trophy in 1969 -- made famous by JackNicklaus' concession of a match-equaling putt to Tony Jacklin.
But he won't be studying videos of his triumph before he tees off on Thursday, looking to retain a trophy that bears the names of Gary Player, JackNicklaus and Tiger Woods among others.