While Darren Clarke was a unanimous choice as 2016 European Ryder Cup captain it’s been revealed there was actually three candidates in the Hazeltine captaincy mix.

And this after it was widely presumed the five-man selection panel would be choosing between two candidates in Clarke and Miguel Angel Jimenez.

But then Colin Montgomerie, and one of those on the five-man panel to select a successor to Paul McGinley, let slip there was actually three in the mix in an interview he had with Sky Sports News.

And the third was Players Tournament Committee chairman, Thomas Bjorn.

“We had three very able candidates and it was a unanimous decision, which was a delight for the panel,” said Monty.

Darren Clarke’s last Ryder Cup in 2012 as a vice-captain under Jose Maria Olazabal. (Photo – www.golffile.ie)

“We spoke to Darren and we wish him well to retain the trophy. It’s an unenviable task; America want it back badly and he will have all our support.

“They do want revenge, they set up their task force and had their own internal wranglings about what they can do to win it back.

“We have selected a captain that I am convinced will retain the Ryder Cup and bring it home.

“I think he will be a very good communicator with the players individually, which is most important as a captain. He has the respect of the players.”

Clarke made his Ryder Cup debut at Valderrama in 1997 and admitted he was not happy with captain Seve Ballesteros after being left out of the opening day’s play and figuring just once before the singles, where he lost to Phil Mickelson.

He then won two points at Brookline in 1999 and The Belfry in 2002, before claiming three-and-a-half points in the record nine-point win at Oakland Hills in 2004.

And European Tour CEO George O’Grady, and also on the selection panel added his delight in the appointment of Clarke.

“We are delighted to announce that Darren has accepted the invitation from the panel to captain Europe at The 2016 Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National,” said O’Grady.

“Darren has an impressive Ryder Cup pedigree, having featured five times as a player and twice as a vice-captain, so he has a strong understanding of the attributes required to be a successful captain.

“He is also a popular figure among the players and has both the passion and knowledge to lead Europe in the quest for a record fourth consecutive Ryder Cup victory.”