Cromwell, Conn. ? Buick has agreed to become a title sponsor of the Greater Hartford Open, ensuring the golf tournament will continue to be a stop on the PGA Tour.

Beginning in 2004, the tournament will become The Buick Championship. Buick sponsors three other PGA Tour events. Financial details were not released. Buick replaces Canon, which had been the title sponsor of the Hartford event for 18 years before pulling out after the 2002 tournament.

Europe makes Langer Ryder Cup captain

Portmarnock, Ireland — Two-time Masters champ Bernhard Langer will be captain of Europe’s Ryder Cup team.

The 45-year-old Langer made himself available for the job less than two weeks ago and was chosen Thursday over Ian Woosnam and Sandy Lyle.

Hal Sutton will be the Ryder Cup captain for the United States when Europe defends the Cup in September 2004 at Oakland Hills Country Club outside Detroit.

Langer has played on 10 Ryder Cup teams.