World number one Rory McIlroy believes that Darren Clarke is the perfect choice as Europe's captain for the 2016 Ryder Cup.
A five-man panel gave Clarke the nod over Miguel Angel Jimenez and Thomas Bjorn to skipper the team at Hazeltine, Minnesota, on Wednesday afternoon.
Four-time Major champion McIlroy had been vocal in backing Clarke for the role over the last few months and is delighted that he will get the chance to play under his Northern Irish compatriot.
"I think it's great," he told BBC Sport. "Obviously he has been a stalwart of the European Tour, played in a lot of Ryder Cups, Open champion, he has been a part of the team for so many years.
"He is a great choice to be captain. I think everyone in America loves him as well, he's got a great rapport over there with the fans so will hopefully be really well received.
"I couldn't think of a better guy to play under in 2016."
Europe have won six out of their last seven Ryder Cups and retained the trophy with victory at Gleneagles in September.
Joe Fish
