The Captains for the 2016 Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National have been announced. Darren Clarke will captain the European team. Last week’s leak proved accurate as Davis Love III was named Captain of The United States team on Tuesday.
Darren Clarke – Europe
The 46 year old Northern Irishman has played in 5 Ryder Cups, winning 4 times. He served as Vice Captain under Colin Montgomerie and Jose Maria Olazabal. Clarke was chosen by a five person committee including the last three European Captains (Montgomerie, Olazabal, and Paul McGinley), Chief Executive of the European Tour, George O’Grady and European Tour Committee member David Howell.
Darren Clarke, European Captain (photo courtesy of Getty Images)
“I am naturally extremely proud to be selected as European Ryder Cup captain for 2016. 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 honor.
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.”
Miguel Angel Jimenez seemed to be gaining momentum as a candidate leading up to the Euro announcement, but reports indicate Clarke had the vote well in hand all along.
Davis Love III – United States
PGA of America President Derek Sprague announced the Ryder Cup Task Force unanimously voted Love the Captain for the U.S. at Hazeltine. The newly formed Task Force consisted of Sprague, PGA of America Vice President Paul Levy, PGA CEO Pete Bevacqua, Raymond Floyd, Tom Lehman, Love, Rickie Fowler, Jim Furyk, Steve Stricker, Phil Mickelson, and Tiger Woods.
Davis Love III, U.S. Captain (Getty Images)
“I am thrilled to be the Team USA Captain and represent our country as we work to win back the Ryder Cup. It is a great honor to be in the position to help build the Team, but our mission doesn’t end there,” said Love. “What we accomplish in 2016 at Hazeltine must serve as the foundation for future USA Ryder Cup Teams. As the son of a PGA Professional and representing all PGA members, I am very proud to accept this responsibility and eager to get started.”
Love previously served as Captain in 2012’s losing effort at Medinah. At the press conference, Love announced Tom Lehman as a Vice Captain.
Changes to the qualification process were also announced. Players will automatically qualify for 8 spots by earning points based on prize money worth varying amounts depending on the tournament. Captain’s picks were expanded back to 4 players.
There will be four Vice Captains for the U.S. Two Vice Captains will be former Captains. The other two Vice Captains will be former Ryder Cup players with extensive experience and the potential to be a future Captain.
The 41st Ryder Cup will be played September 27 through October 2, 2016, at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota.
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