Darren Clarke expressed his delight at getting the Ryder Cup captaincy as he looked forward to leading Europe 's bid for an unprecedented fourth victory in succession . Clarke will captain the side at Hazeltine in 2016 , where his opposite number will be good friend Davis Love , who has been given a second chance to skipper the United States after being on the wrong end of the 'Miracle at Medinah ' in 2012 . World number one Rory McIlroy often stated that he felt Clarke would be the ideal candidate to be captain in America and the former Open champion could not agree more . Darren Clarke has expressed his delight at landing the Ryder Cup captaincy for Europe . Clarke poses with the Ryder Cup trophy with ( from left to right ) Chairman of The European Tour David Williams , Ryder Cup Director Richard Hills and Chief Executive of The European Tour George O'Grady . Clarke will have the support of his colleagues , in particular World No 1 Rory Mcilroy ( left ) 'The highest honour the European Tour can bestow on any of its members is the Ryder Cup captaincy , so imagine my sense of joy , pride and in some ways relief when the call came through from Ryder Cup director Richard Hills inviting me to lead Europe into the 2016 match against the USA , ' Clarke said on Monday . 'The more I played in the Ryder Cup , the more I wanted to become captain and , to be honest , if I could have chosen where and when , then it would have been America and now . ' I have thoroughly enjoyed playing there and I have always felt very welcome , so I am particularly delighted that everything I wanted has come to fruition . 'Europe has a chance to make history by winning the Ryder Cup for the fourth time in succession and I am absolutely thrilled to have that opportunity . But , whatever happens , I will also do everything in my power to ensure the good name of the game and the true spirit of this incredible match is carried forward . 'What made this honour even more amazing is that Davis Love has been elected American captain . We have been very good friends ever since I first started playing in America and I have the upmost respect for him as both a player and a person . 'It wo n't stop me doing everything I possibly can to ensure the European team beats his , but whatever the result we will remain friends first and foremost . ' The Northern Irishman insists he will still be friends with American captain David Love III after the tournament . Europe have won eight of the last 10 biennial contests and six of the last seven , although the victories in 2010 and 2012 were by a single point and the latter came when Jose Maria Olazabal 's side overturned a 10-4 deficit in Chicago . Paul McGinley captained the side to a five-point win at Gleneagles in 2014 , the same margin by which the United States claimed their last win at Valhalla in 2008 . An additional golden band has been added just above the base of the Ryder Cup trophy to accommodate the results of future matches . Paul McGinley and his European team celebrate after beating the USA in Gleneagles last summer .
Darren Clarke will go up against America and David Love III at Hazeltine in 2016 . Northern Irishman says the timing is perfect to lead Europe in USA . Clarke is backed by countryman and World No 1 Rory McIlroy .