Europe’s newly appointed Ryder Cup captain, Darren Clarke, has admitted he relishes the prospect of the ailing Tiger Woods being recovered and back in the United States team for the 2016 clash at Hazeltine. Clarke, who was confirmed in his new position by the European Tour on Wednesday, has held a close friendship with Woods for a considerable time. The 14-times major winner offered Clarke words of encouragement, for example, during his run to an Open Championship success at the age of 42, in 2011.
The future of Woods, however, is in doubt amid a series of fitness and form woes. By the time Europe’s Ryder Cup defence comes around, Clarke hopes Woods is again part of the equation. “Tiger is still one of the biggest draws in the game of golf,” Clarke said. “He is a very special talent. I, for one, being not only a friend of his but having a huge amount of respect for his golf game, would love to see him getting back to playing the sort of golf that he can play.
“Tiger Woods on the team at Hazeltine? It would be a stronger team with him being on it. You want to go and compete against the strongest team possible and a healthy Tiger Woods playing his best golf would certainly add to the whole event.”
The meeting of Europe’s five-man captaincy selection panel at Wentworth lasted two hours. Clarke, who is currently in South Africa, beat off competition from Miguel Ángel Jiménez and, to a lesser extent, Thomas Bjorn.
Crucial to that vote was the backing of high-profile European players, Rory McIlroy among them. “Obviously I appreciated it an awful lot, that those guys were supporting me and have the trust in me to be their captain,” Clarke added. “Without their help, would I be talking to you now? I don’t know, maybe yes, maybe no.
“But the fact that they did come out and publicly support me means an awful lot to me. Hopefully I’ll be able to repay them in any small way that I can when I’m captain.”
Clarke’s opposite number, expected to be Davis Love III, could be confirmed as early as Tuesday.
