Thursday 12 February 2015 19:19, UK
Paul McGinley's successor as skipper of Europe’s Ryder Cup team could be announced as early as next Wednesday, with Darren Clarke and Miguel Angel Jimenez the leading candidates for the post.
The European Tour said a five-man selection panel would be holding a meeting on February 18 to decide the next captain.
McGinley is on the panel along with Europe’s successful skippers from 2010 and 2012 – Colin Montgomerie and Jose Maria Olazabal respectively – as well as European Tour chief executive George O'Grady and former Ryder Cup player David Howell.
The bookmakers believe the 2011 Open champion Clarke is the overwhelming favourite for the job, with Jimenez appearing to be his only serious rival.
Europe have won eight of the last 10 Ryder Cup matches against the United States and they will defend the trophy at Hazeltine, Minnesota in 2016.
