Former world number ones Greg Norman and Fred Couples have been named captains for the Internationals and the United States at the 2009 Presidents Cup, the PGA Tour announced on Tuesday.

Australian Norman will take over from South African Gary Player and Couples from fellow American Jack Nicklaus for the next edition of the biennial team competition to be held at San Francisco's Harding Park Golf Course.

Couples, winner of the 1992 Masters, is a veteran of four Presidents Cups as a player while double British Open champion Norman has appeared in the Ryder Cup-style format three times.

"I am absolutely delighted to introduce these two great players as the new Presidents Cup captains," PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem said in a statement.

"While it may not be easy to replace two legends such as Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, I know both Fred and Greg step into this role with a strong passion, commitment and desire to continue the outstanding legacy Jack, Gary and all the previous captains have created for The Presidents Cup."