Clarke: Europe should consider repeat Ryder capt.
- By Ryan Lavner
- Dec 23, 2012 8:20 AM ET
In a move that likely would bewilder political advisers everywhere, Darren Clarke has suggested that the European Tour’s Tournament Committee select a Ryder Cup captain with a “huge presence” to counter the Americans’ appointment of Tom Watson.
Even if that means Clarke isn’t the man for the job.
“Maybe we have to have a look and consider other people as well,” Clarke said, via an unbylined Reuters report. “Whoever it is standing on that stage opposite Tom Watson needs a huge presence. We seriously need the right man for the job. We do have an (unwritten) rule where we don’t ask anybody to do it again, but we might have to look at that.”
Before potentially sabotaging his own campaign, Clarke (along with Paul McGinley) was considered one of the co-favorites to land the gig at Gleneagles. Some have even suggested that the committee name the next two captains at the same time.
But the PGA of America’s decision to bring back Watson, who last captained the U.S. in 1993, “put down a statement” and “it could well affect who is appointed,” Clarke said.
“If they asked me to do it, it would be a difficult decision to take,” he conceded. “I’m still only 44 and it’s not that long ago that I won the Open (in 2011).”
-
Tags: Darren Clarke, Ryder Cup
Related Articles
Clarke out; Jimenez joins captain consideration
by Rex Hoggard | Jan 15, 2013 9:27 AM ETHours before the European Tour’s Tournament Committee meets to decide the Continent’s 2014 Ryder Cup captain, Miguel Angel Jimenez may throw his name in an already crowded hat. Read More
Decision looming, McIlroy 'strongly' favors McGinley
by Rex Hoggard | Jan 15, 2013 3:12 AM ETThe European Tournament Committee was poised to debate the issue at Tuesday’s meeting, but for world No. 1 Rory McIlroy the decision to name the Continent’s next Ryder Cup captain was an easy one. Read More
Once favorite, Clarke appears out of '14 captain race
by Will Gray | Jan 11, 2013 1:38 PM ETOnce a favorite for the position, Darren Clarke now appears out of the running as Europe plans to announce its 2014 Ryder Cup captain next week. Read More
Lavner is a staff writer for GolfChannel.com and is in charge of GolfTalkCentral.
Latest News
- Venturi dies at 82 | Twitter reaction | Photos
- Palmer, Nicklaus release statements on Venturi
- Bradley leads Nelson | At a glance | Scores
- Korda leads Mobile Bay through 36 | Scores
- McIlroy leaves agent, forms firm | Timeline
- Only one Irish team to compete at World Cup
- G-Mac, Colsaerts in Volvo quarterfinals | Results
- USGA to announce anchoring news Tuesday
- Guan shoots 70-77, misses first PGA Tour cut
- Video: Man drains amazing office putt down stairs
- Open qualifying: Men's local | Women's sectional
- Instruction: Improve your thought process
