The European Ryder Cup team has its first Northern Irishman to lead the charge, with Darren Clarke being selected as captain of Europe's 2016 edition.
For Clarke, it's a designation he is honored to have bestowed upon him.
"I am naturally extremely proud to be selected as European Ryder Cup captain for 2016," he said following the announcement (via RyderCup.com). "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," Clarke added. "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."
One opponent he hopes to stand in the way next year is Tiger Woods. The former world No. 1 took an indefinite leave after sustaining injury at the 2015 Farmers Insurance open, his back forcing him to pull out after just 12 holes.
Despite recent challenges, Clarke still believes Woods brings value to one of golf's premier events.
"Tiger Woods on the team at Hazeltine [National Golf Club]? It would be a stronger team with him being on it," Clarke said (via the Guardian). "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 2016 Ryder Cup will be held at Hazeltine National Golf Club from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2, 2016.
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