One day after Davis Love III was named the captain of the US squad, Team Europe went with the obvious choice and selected Darren Clarke as their next Ryder Cup captain. Clarke was considered the overwhelming favorite since the matches ended in 2014.
Clarke was one of the biggest figures in the Ryder Cup, playing in five consecutive matches from 1997 to 2006. accumulating a 10-7-3 record. The most notable appearance was in 2006, when he played just weeks after the death of his wife Heather. He played in three matches and won them all. He was embraced by members of both the European and US teams in a very emotional display.
Clarke also has experience in a captains role, as he was an assistant to Colin Montgomerie in 2010 and Jose Maria Olazabal in 2012. Clarke is considered a personable guy and a favorite among the players. In fact, it was Rory McIlroy, among other players, who advocated for Clarke's captaincy. The European players love Clarke, and will have no problem rallying around him.
Personally, this selection makes the most sense. Padraig Harrington and Miguel Angel Jimenez will have their opportunities in the captain's chair. Team Europe wanted Clarke now, and he will get his opportunity in 2016.
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