18/02/2015

Darren Clarke Named Ryder Cup Captain

Northern Ireland golfer Darren Clarke has been named as the Europe Ryder Cup captain for 2016.

The 2016 tournament will be held in Hazeltine, USA.

Mr Clarke, originally from Dungannon in County Tyrone, has won the tournament four times as player and twice as a non-playing vice captain in 2010 and 2012.

Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín said: "This a fantastic honour for Darren and I would like to send my warmest congratulations to him for being chosen as captain.

"Some of the world's top golfers are from right here in the north of Ireland and Darren Clarke, Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell all show what we have to offer every time they play the sport they love. It is important that we continue to grow all of our sport stars of the future so that we can continue this trend.

"There is a lot of good work going on in all sports at grassroot levels. We know sport is vital not only physically but also our mental well-being. I would encourage everyone to get involved in sport in whatever way they can."

(IT/JP)

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