Darren Clarke and Davis Love named 2016 Ryder Cup captains

Ryder Cup captains have been announced for the match-up in Minnesota in 2016.

Darren Clarke and Davis Love III have been named captain’s of the European and United States teams respectively, for the 2016 Ryder Cup to be held at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Minnesota.

Clarke was odds on to get the captaincy for Europe with only Miguel Jimenez looking like a serious contender. Jimenez said that while he would like the captaincy, he would be doing his best to be a playing part of the European Team.

Clarke released a statement saying that it was a huge honour for him to be named captain:

“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 said.

“I am lucky to have played and worked under some fantastic captains in my seven Ryder Cups to date and I look forward to the challenge of trying to follow in their footsteps and help Europe to a fourth consecutive Ryder Cup victory at Hazeltine next year.”

While it was no surprise to see Clarke named as captain of the European Team, the announcement that Davis Love III will be captain of the US Team was somewhat of a shock.

In fact, the news that Davis Love III will take over the reigns is still not official with the news being leaked via the media.

Love was the losing captain in the incredible “Meltdown at Medinah” Ryder Cup of 2012 and after the US had assembled a “Ryder Cup taskforce” intent on a better performance and winning back the trophy, many were expecting that Fred Couples might get the nod.

Once again, if you’ve never watched the 2012 Ryder Cup – you should now. It’s close to the best golf tournament we’ve ever watched.