The decision on who leads Europe at the next Ryder Cup - against 65-year-old Tom Watson, of course - may not be taken in Abu Dhabi next month.
Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley are generally considered to be vying for the position, but Tour chief executive George O'Grady said the tournament committee vote would "not necessarily" happen at their next meeting before the Abu Dhabi Championship.
Although Clarke is narrowly ahead in the betting, there are many - world number one Rory McIlroy included - who would prefer to see McGinley given the job in Scotland and then Clarke take over for the 2016 match in America.
Colin Montgomerie, captain at Celtic Manor two years ago and a member of the committee, said: "It will be a very interesting debate and I will listen to it."
Ian Woosnam and Nick Faldo were named for the 2008 and 2010 matches at the same time and Montgomerie added: "There is an opportunity to do two at one time again. Both (Clarke and McGinley) are respected in the game and great candidates.
"The fact that Tom Watson has been made America's captain should not colour our judgement. We should have only one criteria - picking the best man for the job."
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