Golfing great Tom Watson says he would jump at the chance to captain the USA at the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles.

A five-times British Open champion, Watson is hugely popular in Scotland, where the Ryder Cup will return to in two years’ time.

The 63-year-old American on Sunday denied having already been sounded out for the role, but admitted it would be a privilege to take over from Davis Love.

“It would be cool to be Ryder Cup captain, again,” Watson said after signing off at the Australian Open in Sydney with a stylish three-under-par 69 at the windswept Lakes layout.

“I hope so, I hope so. It would be a great honour if I got tapped on the shoulder. I know that – ’93 was the last time I’ve been to a Ryder Cup. I’d like to go back as captain. That would be cool.”

Watson played for the USA at the 1977, 1981, 1983 and 1989 Ryder Cup events and successfully captained the Americans to victory over Europe at The Belfry in England in 1993.

The US will be trying to win back the prestigious teams’ trophy in 2014 after Europe snatched a famous last-day victory at Medinah Country Club this year.

Watson also didn’t rule out a return to Australia, saying he’d like to put in a better showing than his five-over 72-hole total after mixed rounds of 78-68-78-69.

“There’s always a chance,” he said.

“I’m certainly not pleased about the way I played these last two weeks in South Africa and here.”

While less than pleased with his on-course showing, Watson said he enjoyed his stay in Sydney, especially his visit to the Opera House on Saturday night to see Swan Lake.