Updated 16.00
IRELAND’S DARREN CLARKE will follow in Paul McGinley’s footsteps and captain Europe at the 2016 Ryder Cup.
A veteran of seven Ryder Cups, Clarke was widely expected to lead the bid for a fourth straight win in next year’s renewal at Hazeltine National.
The appointment was confirmed following a meeting of Europe’s five-man selection panel earlier today.
“I am naturally extremely proud to be selected as European Ryder Cup captain for 2016,” Clarke said.
The Ryder Cup has been a massive part of my life and my career, so to have the chance to lead Europe next year is a huge honour.
The United States have yet to confirm their captain, although 2012 skipper Davis Love III appears set to be asked to resume the position.
Clarke becomes only the second Irishman to captain the team, following on from McGinley who masterminded victory at Gleneagles in 2014, and the first captain to be chosen under the new selection process.
The panel consisted of the three most recent captains – McGinley, Jose Maria Olazabal and Colin Montgomerie — as well as European Tour CEO George O’Grady and Tournament Committee member David Howell.
Clarke won four of his five Ryder Cups as a player and also served as vice-captain to both Montgomerie and Olazabal for the wins in 2010 and 2012.
“He has a strong understanding of the attributes required to be a successful captain,” O’Grady said.
“He is also a popular figure among the players and has both the passion and knowledge to lead Europe in the quest for a record fourth consecutive Ryder Cup victory.”
Minster of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring TD congratulated Clarke on “one of the most prestigious honours in golf.”
“Paul did a wonderful job for the team and I am delighted that we have another Irishman following in his footsteps.
“Darren is a proven Ryder Cup performer and I have no doubt he will bring his own unique style to the captaincy and will do the country and the team proud in everything he does.”
Great news. Delighted for him.
The way he disrespected McGinley makes it hard for me to be overjoyed for him. I think he’s two faced and selfish.
@ the Druid
He openly came out in favour of McGinley for 2014 and then a week later retracted it and threw his own name into the ring for the 2014 captaincy.
That’s what happened not saying I dislike him or anything, actually a big fan and think the media blew the supposed “spat” with McGinley waaaay out of proportion, mole hills and all that.
Was always going to be next! Deserved it!
Can’t wait. Always the highlight of the golfing year.
I’m not gone on this guy – manners and attitude leave a lot to be desired on the golf course when the cameras aren’t there. I’d suppose he’ll get various coach of the year awards if he leads the EU to victory against a U.S. team who don’t really care about this trophy. The media seem to put coaching a winning Ryder cup team on a par with winning the World Cup., Can understand the volume of media coverage and hysteria it generates ( P.S I am a golf fan)
You’re a foolish golf fan. Obviously the us want to win it badly. Do you think they enjoy getting beaten every year, embarrassing their country. You can tell they enjoy it by their reactions after getting big putts.
I witnessed this myself when I approached him as a fan many years ago.
He also tried to screw McGinleys bid for the captaincy.
It’s not on every year it’s played every two years.
It’s not on every year.
I’ve heard good and bad about him although I’ve heard a lot worse about Darcy, Torrance & Montgomery to name but a few.
Was hoping Miguel Angel Jiminez would be chosen.
Not a fan of Clarke, on or off the course. Pretty poor example to the team in fact, a player who never achieved 10% of what he should have with his natural talent. Waited until his career was effectively over until he got in shape, his attitude on the course was atrocious, and the fact that he hasn’t had a single top ten since winning the open four years ago means he is completely out of touch with the players at the top level. He should be grateful that Jimenez has an awful grasp of the English language
Add to the fact that he tried to shaft McGinley the last time by supporting Monty…. A player he always disliked and it looks a bad call. Time to back the states
Poor choice..more famous for sinking pints than putts…gonna b too friendly with team europe..still think Europe wud win coz better players.
I don’t like Clarke just going by his attitude towards the media and fans when he’s feeling grumpy. Will be interesting to see how it goes. Davis Love is the American captain again – the guy who let the 10-6 American lead go in the singles the last time he captained. McGinley did such a good job as he was all for the team, open to new ideas and didn’t have any baggage – the same can’t be said of Clarke.
Good old Dazza !! If Europe should win again, I wonder if he will do a replay of sinking a pint of Guinness in one go like he did at the K Club. As he wont be competing this time around he doesn’t have to worry about keeping himself in shape.
Paul McGinley has seemingly fed Darren Clarke to the wolves. He won’t become his vice-captain yet he is there for any advice Clarke may need. So if Europe lose the Ryder cup,especially in the US,it’s all on Darren Clarke…
Spot on Oliver, McGinley has played his part to perfection. He has left a fantastic reputation as captain, a team that hammered the USA and realistically it will go downhill from here. Clarke doesn’t have the brains, reputation or work ethic necessary to compare
Terrible choice
The U.S do want to win
Darren congratulations well deserved and the best of luck
Met Clarke once at coolum Queensland in 2012 and he had no interest in talking to a southern Irish supporter only the Norn Iron supporters present. Away from the camera’s he is not what he seems and I personally won’t be advocating him in any way shape or form in the future. Not that he would be bothered but it seemed to me that he is far removed from the common man/fan and he can dine out on his British Open win for the rest of his days but my impression of meeting him was very awkward and he is just not a nice guy and is a moody individual.
Fr