Clarke skippers Europe for 2016 Ryder Cup

Darren Clarke has been awarded the captaincy of the European team for the 2016 Ryder Cup to be held at Hazeltine, in the United States. Clarke was selected ahead of Miguel Angel Jimenez and Thomas Bjorn. The decision was unanimous said Colin Montgomerie who was on the selection panel with Jose Maria Olazabal, Paul McGinley, David Howell and tour chief executive George O’Grady.

Clarke, 46, has been on winning European sides four times as a player and was a vice-captain for wins in 2010 and 2012. He stated, “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. I am lucky to have played and worked under some fantastic captains in my seven Ryder Cups to date and I look forward to the challenge of trying to follow in their footsteps and help Europe to a fourth consecutive Ryder Cup victory at Hazeltine next year.”