Clarke supports McGinley for 2014 Ryder Cup captain

• By Ryan Ballengee
• Apr 20, 2012 9:50 AM ET

Though this year's Ryder Cup at Medinah is still months away, the jockeying to become the captain of the 2014 European team has already begun.

Irishman Paul McGinley has gained an ally in his bid to lead the European charge at Gleneagles as British Open champion Darren Clarke has lent his support behind McGinley in lieu of pursuing the job, according to the Irish Examiner.

"Clarkey is not going for 2014; he has given his support to me. That helps. Everything helps," McGinley said. 

He added, "(Clarke) sent me a hand-written letter after the Seve Trophy last year saying how much he enjoyed me being captain, how much I surprised him by how good I was and that beyond doubt, I would have his full support for 2014."

With his win at Royal St. George's last year, Clarke seems a lock for a future Ryder Cup captaincy. The same is true for three-time major winner Padraig Harrington. McGinley recognizes the proliferation of Irish major winners may cause Irish fatigue.

"It’s pretty odds-on that Darren is going to be captain in 2016. But if I get it in 2014, where does that leave Padraig? That’s why you’ve got to deal with it one step at a time. There’s a lot of stuff that goes on. You’ve got three Irish guys lined up. And the chances of getting three in a row are nil."