Darren Clarke 'absolutely thrilled' with chance to make history as Europe's Ryder Cup captain

Northern Irishman Darren Clarke has claimed that the timing of him being appointed Europe's Ryder Cup captaincy couldn't have been better, insisting that they have a chance to make history by registering a fourth successive victory at Hazeltine, United States in 2016.

Clarke, whose friend Davis Love would lead the American team for the second time, said that if he could have chosen where and when, then it would have been America and now, to lead the Europe team.

Clarke claimed that Europe has a chance to make history and he is absolutely thrilled to have that opportunity, the BBC reported.

Clarke succeeds Irishman Paul McGinley, who led Europe to a five-point victory over the USA at Gleneagles in 2014.

The winner of the 2011 Open Championship at Royal St George's has lost just once in the seven times he has been involved in the Ryder Cup, the defeat at Brookline in 1999.

Clarke added that what made this honour even more amazing is that Love has been elected American captain. He claimed that they have been very good friends ever since he first started playing in America and he has the upmost respect for him as both a player and a person.

However, Clarke insisted that it won't stop him doing everything he possibly could to ensure the European team beats Love's, but claimed that whatever the result they would remain friends first and foremost.