Darren Clarke is backing World No. 1 Rory McIlroy to create an historic European Team first – score five points from five games.
Only one player on either the USA or European team’s has scored five points from five matches and that’s American Larry Nelson.
Clarke beleives his fellow Ulsterman, who’s won three of his last four events, can achieve that feat at Medinah.
“We’ve got the hottest and best player in the world right now,” said Clarke to Sky Sports News.
“Rory has been destined to be the player that he is for a very long time.”
Darren Clarke backing Rory McIlroy to become the first European to score five points from five Ryder Cup matches. (Photo – Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)
McIlroy is now hoping to enjoy a lengthy stay at the top of the rankings to rival Tiger Woods’ period of dominance, though he would rather avoid comparisons with Woods’ mediocre Ryder Cup history with the US team.
However Clarke believes criticism of Woods, who has been characterised as a poor team player, is misplaced. “We weren’t in the [US] team room, nobody was. We don’t how much input he was having – I’m sure he was having plenty,” Clarke said.
“He was the best player in the world – he still is one of the best players in the world – but Rory’s now the No. 1 player in the world and he’s respected by the Americans as well as the Europeans.
“He’s possibly going to be our leader, but you’ve got a load of more experienced guys,” Clarke added. “Lee [Westwood]’s the most experienced guy on the team and we’ll be looking forward to guys like him leading by inspiration.”
Clarke, who will be one of Jose Maria Olazabal’s European vice-captains at his seventh Ryder Cup, expects another tight contest in Chicago after the 2010 edition at Celtic Manor was settled late on day three by the final group.
“This year going into it, the teams are so even,” said Clarke.
“Two fantastic teams, so you can imagine it’s going to come down to maybe what G-Mac (Graeme McDowell) did, holing that putt on the 16th in the last group on the Sunday again.
“I’m sure it’s going to be a really close match again.”
