Irishman Paul McGinley has gained in ally in Open champion Darren Clarke in his bid to become the Ryder Cup captain for 2014.
Not only will Clarke not pursue the job of leading Europe at Gleneagles in two years' time, he has lent his support behind McGinley, acording to McGinley himself speaking to the Irish Examiner.
"Clarkey is not going for 2014; he has given his support to me. That helps. Everything helps," McGinley said.
"(Clarke) sent me a hand-written letter after the Seve Trophy last year saying how much he enjoyed me being captain, how much I surprised him by how good I was and that beyond doubt, I would have his full support for 2014."
McGinley realises he is far from the only Irishman in the running for the prestigious job in the future. Clarke's Open victory has made him a definite contender, whilst three-time major winner Padraig Harrington will also soon be in the running.
"It's pretty odds-on that Darren is going to be captain in 2016. But if I get it in 2014, where does that leave Padraig? That's why you've got to deal with it one step at a time. There's a lot of stuff that goes on. You've got three Irish guys lined up. And the chances of getting three in a row are nil."
golf365.com