There are many factors but the captain has to have a good reputation among fellow golfers and preferably be a former PGA Champion. I'm sure there are other factors at stake as well. The 2010 team USA captain is Corey Pavin and team Europe captain is Colin Montgomerie. Both are very experienced golfers and near the same age (50). Corey has 27 professional wins and Colin has 40 wins. My preview of the 2010 Ryder Cup is here aussiepunter.com/news/sport/2010-ryder-cup-preview
The Ryder Cup teams are picked based on a combination of automatic qualifiers and captain's picks. Automatic qualifiers are determined by players' performance in designated tournaments leading up to the event, while the team captain has the discretion to select additional players as captain's picks.
Ireland's Paul McGinley will captain Europe in the 2014 Ryder Cup.
Nick Faldo
Hal Sutton.
It was Tom Watson.
Ted Ray.
Paul McGinley for the 2014 competition
You will need to be picked by your local Golfing Union or Association.
He captained Europe to Victory in 2004.
He captained the team in 2002.
Walter Hegan has captained USA six times.
Colin Montgomerie, Europe and Corey Pavin, USA.