Darren Clarke to Lead Team Europe at Hazeltine 2016

Darren Clarke to Lead Team Europe at Hazeltine 2016
Darren Clarke has been named the 2016 European Ryder Cup captain.  Beating out Miguel Angel Jimenez and Thomas Bjorn for the coveted position.

The Northern Irishman yesterday expressed his gratitude and excitement for the post.  Telling reporters, “I am naturally extremely proud to be selected as European Ryder Cup captain for 2016.  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.”

Clarke was unanimously voted in on Wednesday by a five-man selection panel including last year’s captain Paul McGinley as well as Colin Montgomerie and Jose Maria Olazabal.

The 46-year-old admits he’s looking to take a page from McGinley’s captaincy and follow on from the team’s incredible success at Gleneagles.  Hoping the winning formula and camaraderie can continue for Europe at Hazeltine in 2016.

“With everything that came out of Gleneagles and the unbelievable job that Paul [McGinley] did there, I would be foolish not to speak to Paul and all the other captains before that,” Clarke said yesterday.  “The team bonding and spirit they had at Gleneagles is obviously something I would love to replicate.”

With five Ryder Cups under his belt as well as an additional two as a vice-captain, Clarke now looks ahead to the next 18 months as he prepares to help Europe win the competition for the fourth consecutive time.

Check out the response from some of his possible team members.




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