Darren Clarke will lead Europe’s bid for a fourth successive Ryder Cup victory after being named captain for the 2016 contest with the United States at Hazeltine yesterday.

The 46-year-old Northern Irishman, who played in five Ryder Cups and was a vice-captain in 2010 and 2012, was chosen ahead of Miguel Angel Jimenez and Thomas Bjorn by a five-man selection panel at Wentworth.

Clarke said: “I am naturally extremely proud to be selected as European Ryder Cup captain for 2016. The Ryder Cup has been a massive part of my life and my career, so to have the chance to lead Europe next year is a huge honour.

“I am lucky to have played and worked under some fantastic captains in my seven Ryder Cups to date and I look forward to the challenge of trying to follow in their footsteps and help Europe to a fourth consecutive Ryder Cup victory at Hazeltine next year.”

The US captain is due to be officially named next week, although it has been widely reported that former captain Davis Love has been handed the chance for redemption after being on the wrong end of the “miracle at Medinah” in 2012.