World No.1 Rory McIlroy is tipping Irishmen Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley to lead Europe on future Ryder Cups after the incredible scenes at Medinah.
McIlroy was part of a winning European team for the second time in his career, following debut success at Celtic Manor two years ago, and he believes two of Jose Maria Olazabal’s assistants at Medinah are leading the way to take over at Gleneagles in 2014.
Europe are 4/5 favourites to win the matches when they return to Scotland in two years, with America priced at 5/4 and the tie at 10/1.
The world number one feels that Darren Clarke is better positioned to lead Europe away from home, given his popularity with American fans, and is tipping his fellow Ulster major winner to lead the side at Hazeltine in four years.
“I’m just starting to make the team for a start,” quipped McIlroy, before – in a more serious tone – adding: “I’ve always said I think Clarkey would be a great captain over here (in the USA). I think the crowds really love him here. So, maybe let’s see if Darren is up for 2016.”
The USPGA champion feels Dubliner Paul McGinley is one of the leading candidates for Gleneagles in two years, having proved his credentials for the job already.
“For the next time around, there are a lot of guys who have a chance to do it. Whoever ends up doing it would be a great captain…Paul was fantastic at the Seve Trophy. He was a fantastic vice-captain (at Medinah).”
McGinley has twice captained the GB & Ireland team to success in the Seve Trophy, widely viewed as a schooling event for the Ryder Cup itself. He also enjoys a perfect record at the Ryder Cup, with three wins as a player and Sunday’s success being his second successful jaunt as a vice-captain.
Ladbrokes have priced McGinley at even-money to lead Europe in two-years time, with the captain set to be appointed early next year at a European Tour meeting in Dubai.
Clarke and fellow vice-captain from Medinah Thomas Bjorn of Denmark are both 5/1 to succeed Olazabal, whilst former skipper Colin Montgomerie (5/1) has also hinted he would love to captain Europe again in his homeland.
With the queue of prospective candidates for the job, it seems unlikely that Monty will follow the likes of Tony Jacklin and Bernard Gallacher in captaining Europe on multiple occasions.
Paul Lawrie (14/1) has stated his desire to make the playing roster for the matches in Scotland, while Sandy Lyle (33/1) has also been touted as a home captain but he lacks the player popularity required.
