Darren Clarke has won the race to become Europe’s Ryder Cup captain at Gleneagles in 2014.
Although a formal announcementis not due until January next year, the Northern Irishman has alreadybeen approached by the European Tour and has indicated he wantsthe job.
Clarke will be the first Irishman to hold the post butthe news will come as a bitter disappointment to Paul McGinley, theother outstanding front-runner. Both men were vice- captains for the miracle at Medinah but apparently it came down to Clarke’s longer list of achievements and higher profile.
His management stable mate Lee Westwood said: ‘If I were asked, it would be Darren. He has been a Ryder Cup stalwart for many years, is a major champion and a very good public speaker, which has to be taken into account. Tactically, he is very astute.’
Asked why he would pick Clarke over McGinley, Westwood could not have been more clear cut. ‘Paul is good in the team room, he makes a great vice-captain,’ he said. ‘Paul has played three Ryder Cups. Darren has played five, won a major championship and a lot of tournaments worldwide. He edges it for me.’
The 44-year-old Clarke etched his name into Ryder Cup lore with his performance at the K Club in 2006. Just a month after the death of his wife, Heather, there was not a dry eye in the house as the big man put in one of the most poignant sporting displays imaginable in claiming three points out of three.
The appointment will be popular with club golfers up and down the land, who identify with Clarke’s obvious struggles with his volcanic temperament on the course and his love of a pint off it. – Daily Mail