Darren Clarke has sought to defuse discussion on the likelihood of replacing fellow Irishman Paul McGinley as 2016 European Ryder Cup captain.

Clarke already has the public backing of World No. 1 Rory McIlroy along with double Major winning Martin Kaymer and nine-time Ryder Cup star and close friend, Lee Westwood.

But after posting a one over par 71 at St. Andrews on the first day of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship the Ulterman was in no mood to discuss the possibility of leading Europe into competition at Hazeltine.

Darren Clarke plays down chances of replacing Paul McGinley as 2016 Ryder Cup captain. (Photo – www.golffile.ie)

“Let’s not go that route, guys as it’s not up to me to discuss it,” he said.

“It’s up to the committee. Whilst I would be delighted to be offered the post, it’s the committee’s decision.

“An awful lot has been made about it but we should be celebrating how well Paul and his team did without all this stuff going on. The committee’s there to decide who is the best man for the job.”

In fact, it will be the past three Ryder Cup captains, along with the CEO of the Tour and a representative of the Players Committee who will choose McGinley’s successor around January next year.