DARREN SAYS MONTY MIGHT BE THE MAN TO FACE UP TO WATSON

 

FROM THE DAILY TELEGRAPH WEBSITE

By JAMES CORRIGAN, Golf Correspondent 

Darren Clarke is the odds-on favourite to lead the defence of the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles in 2014, yet feels America’s surprise appointment of Tom Watson could be a game changer when the decision is made on José María Olazábal’s successor in Abu Dhabi next month.

“I think it could well affect who is appointed,” said Clarke (pictured). “A lot of people, myself included, were surprised when Tom Watson was appointed.

“It’s a big statement and brilliant for the event – there are few more iconic figures in golf. Tom’s adored in Scotland and it sends out a statement that they are very serious about winning the trophy back. Maybe we have to consider other people as well.

“Whoever it is standing on that stage opposite Tom Watson needs a huge presence. We seriously need the right man for the job. We do have an unwritten rule where we don’t ask anybody to do it again, but we might have to look at that.”

Clarke is a member of the 15-man committee who will choose the new man and, as he is apparently the strongest candidate, his opinion would count for a lot. 
Montgomerie captaining in his own country would certainly negate most, if not all, of the Scottish support for Watson, who won four of his five Claret Jugs in the country.

Montgomerie, however, is keen for Clarke or McGinley to take the role, proposing earlier in the week that the Irishmen be appointed for the next two Ryder Cups.
Clarke, who was in London on Friday to receive the PGA Recognition Award, is a popular figure in America and would be a natural to lead in Minneapolis in 2016 – a scenario he may not be against.
“If they asked me to do it in Gleneagles it would be a difficult decision to take,” said Clarke, who feels he may have one playing appearance left in him. 
“I’m still only 44 and it’s not that long ago that I won the Open.”
Clarke’s tie for seventh in the recent Australian PGA Championship was his best performance since winning the 2011 Open at Sandwich.