Thursday 19 February 2015 10:06, UK
Ryder Cup legend Tony Jacklin believes Darren Clarke was always the obvious choice to succeed Paul McGinley as Europe's next captain.
A five-man selection panel, incluing Europe's last three captains Colin Montgomerie, Jose Maria Olazabal and Paul McGinley, made a 'unanimous decision' to appoint the five-time Ryder Cup player.
In-form Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez and Denmark's Thomas Bjorn had also been in contention to lead Europe at Hazeltine, although Tony Jacklin, a former US Open champion at the venue, feels the correct choice was made.
“I think it’s the right decision and he’s clearly the right man for the job in the circumstances,” Jacklin told Sky Sports News HQ. “Miguel Jimenez is enjoying the autumn of his career still playing some good golf.
“Darren’s got all the experience as a player and as a vice-captain and I think he’s an obvious choice and will do very well.
“He’s been on two or three winning teams. He knows how it all operates from the inside.”
Jacklin never featured on a winning side during his seven appearances as a player, but is often recognised as Europe’s all-time greatest captain after guiding them to two wins and a tie during the 1980s.
Europe are targeting a record fourth consecutive victory at Hazeltine next September, but Jacklin expects a much tougher test than McGinley's side enountered last year.
“Away matches are always that little bit more difficult. The Americans will have a lot of self-belief and will believe they can win it back.
“I don’t think they had their strongest team at Gleneagles so they’ll be trying to make amends. It’s not going to be easy whatever happens but Darren, with his credentials, is the right choice."
Player support
Clarke recieved public backing from numerous big-name players, with compatriots Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell among those agreeing that the Northern Irishman should be awarded the captaincy.
The former Open Champion boasts plenty of tournament experience, but three-time Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallacher believes it's Clarke's people skills that will have been a decisive factor in being handed the role.
“You want the support of the players,” Gallacher told Sky Sports News HQ. “The players wanted him, he’s still playing.
“Two or three of the players that played in the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles will certainly be in the team, and most of the players at Gleneagles came out in favour of Darren Clarke.
“That makes the job of the selectors much easier. He was a shoe-in really and I’m very pleased and wish him all the best.”
