Triple Ryder Cup star Paul Casey reckons newly-appointed Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke will bring ‘skinny’ attire and oversize passion to the 2016 European Team.

“Darren is going to be a great captain and it’s a nice problem the European Tour has at present, as there is so many players coming up who can captain Europe in a Ryder Cup,” said Casey ahead of the second round of the Northern Trust Open in L.A.”

“Now the question is also what will Darren bring to the European Captaincy?

“Well, skinny clothes for a start, and skinny trousers (smiling).”

Casey and Clarke are side-by-side in the pages of the 2015 European Tour ‘Official’ guide and a check of the book reveals also they were in the 2004 and 2006 winning teams.

Paul Casey says Darren Clarke, seen here at the 2006 Ryder Cup in Ireland, will bring ‘skinny trousers’ and a big slice of passion to the 2016 Ryder Cup. (Photo – www.golffile.ie)

And while they were never paired together at either Oakland Hills or the K. Club Casey says he got on extremely well with Clarke during both winning campaigns.

“The two Ryder Cups I have been in the same team as Darren it was clear to me the he has for the game and for the Ryder Cup,” said Casey.

“And whatever anybody writes about Darren, and I have read some comments over the years, you can’t fault the unity he has once he pulls on a Ryder Cup outfit.

“There was times in the past when Darren and Colin Montgomerie did not get along with one another but at a Ryder Cup they are almost walking down the fairways arm in arm.

“Darren has a brilliant ability of bringing everybody together and showing a passion that ties everyone in a European Ryder Cup team together.

“And the great thing about Darren being chosen for 2016 is that he is loved here in the States, so that makes it a brilliant choice for captain.”

Casey last played in the 2008 European Team but since then has been plagued by niggling injuries.

However he rekindled his gritty determination coming from four shots back and win the 2013 Irish Open by three at Carton House.

And it’s that form that the now 37-year old Casey hopes to lead him to qualifying automatically for Clarke’s European Team.

“Knowing Darren so well and enjoying such a good relationship with him is just the incentive I need to qualify for his team,” said Casey.

“I’ve known Darren for a long time now and I always laugh when I think of Ryder Cup moments involving Darren.

“The obvious one was at the K. Club in 2006 and my other good memory was in 2004 at Oakland Hills when I sat on the Captain’s golf buggy and (Bernhard) Langer was trying to sort out the Singles for the Sunday matches.

“Langer said he had a feeling Hal Sutton would sent Tiger Woods out first and Darren and I were the only two players sitting on the buggy with Bernhard.

“He says if that is the case I am going to put one of you two guys out first as you have a good chance of playing great golf being out alongside Tiger.

“Darren turns to me and says:  ‘Paul, you’re playing great. Good luck’ (laughing).

“So Darren kind of nominated me and as it turned out I went out first in the Singles against Tiger.

“But Darren meant that and he said it with a smile, and said it with confidence.

“And the great thing with Darren he will develop in his new role over the 18 months or so before the team gets to Hazeltine.”