article_snippet: Northern Ireland golfer Darren Clarke will lead Europe's bid for a fourth successive Ryder Cup victory  for the 2016 contest with the United States at Hazeltine.
article_snippet: Northern Ireland golfer Darren Clarke looks in good spirits after being announced as Europe's captain for the 2016 Ryder Cup .
article_snippet: The 46-year-old Northern Irishman, who played in five Ryder Cups and was a vice-captain in 2010 and 2012, was chosen ahead of Miguel Angel Jimenez and Thomas Bjorn by a five-man selection panel at Wentworth.
article_snippet: Northern Ireland golfer Darren Clarke said: 'I am naturally extremely proud to be selected as European Ryder Cup captain for 2016.
article_snippet: the 2016 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 honour. '
article_snippet: I am lucky to have played and worked under some fantastic captains in my seven Ryder Cups to date
article_snippet: and I look forward to the challenge of trying to follow in their footsteps and help Europe to a fourth consecutive victory at Hazeltine next year.'
article_snippet: Europe team captain Paul McGinley celebrates winning the 2016 Ryder Cup with Europe team captain Paul McGinley celebrates winning the Ryder Cup with his team last year at Gleneagles team last year at Gleneagles .
article_snippet: VIDEO Clarke the popular choice to lead Europe at Hazeltine .
highlights_snippet: Northern Ireland golfer Darren Clarke will lead Europe's bid for a fourth successive Ryder Cup victory .
  
highlights_snippet: The 46-year-old Northern Irishman was named captain earlier this month .
  