Japan’s Shigeki Maruyama, Zimbabweans Mark McNulty and Tony Johnstone and American Jay Haas were named assistant captains for the 2013 Presidents Cup matches on Tuesday.

Internationals captain Nick Price of Zimbabwe named his compatriots and Maruyama to fill his three assistants posts for the biennial golf showdown with the Americans next October at Muirfield Village, where Jack Nicklaus will host.

US captain Fred Couples named Haas to the first of his three spots with the others still vacant as the Americans try to win their fifth Cup in a row over the non-European squad and improve upon a 7-1-1 overall lead in the rivalry.

“I grew up playing golf back home with Tony Johnstone and Mark McNulty. The three of us have enjoyed a friendship and rivalry that has lasted more than 40 years. They were an obvious choice for me,” Price said.

“Maruyama-san was an inspiration to all of us in every Presidents Cup team he played on. His enthusiasm, dogged competitiveness and incredible team spirit are things I will never forget.

“His presence and confidence are going to be a huge asset for our team.”

Maruyama went 5-0-0 in 1998 at Melbourne when the Internationals collected their only victory over the Americans, the best showing by any non-US player in a Presidents Cup.

“I’m thrilled and very honoured to be asked by Nick to serve as one of his assistants,” Maruyama said.

“The Presidents Cup holds a special place in my heart, especially the 1998 event. I am already looking forward to the matches and helping Nick and the team bring home The Presidents Cup for a second time.”

The US and Internationals played to a draw in 2003 at South Africa.