Clarke eyes Euro balance

Darren Clarke says finding the balance of youth and experience will be key when he makes his captain’s picks for the Ryder Cup.

The nine automatic places have been confirmed for the showdown with the US at Hazeltine next month and European skipper Clarke will have to decide on Monday who his three wildcard picks will be.

Scotsman Russell Knox, Englishman Lee Westwood, Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell and the German Martin Kaymer are just four of the players vying for selection for the competition.

Clarke knows he has some tough decision to make and is keeping his cards close to his chest with regards to who he will select to complete his line-up for the encounter with the Americans.

He said: “I would be looking maybe towards experience to balance the team up but that doesn’t mean I won’t pick a rookie. Everyone I’m looking at, at the moment, would balance the team, whatever way that might be. It will be finding the right blend.

“There are a few guys and they all have something a bit different. It’s very important to get a blend and balance and that’s what I’m endeavouring to do.

“I’ve got my own thoughts, but there is still a lot to play for.”

Tagged Darren Clarke, Europe, Ryder Cup, Ryder Cup 2016