Intro:

Darren Clarke discussed his role as Europe's captain for the 2016 Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National Golf Club with the media in London, England on Monday (23rd March).

Script:

SOUNDBITE: (English) Darren Clarke, Ryder Cup 2016 Europe captain:

"Ryder Cup captain is a very special honour. Not too many people get it and, it is the highest honour that the European Tour can bestow upon a member and I feel very, fortunate and grateful that the European Tour have awarded to me."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Darren Clarke, Ryder Cup 2016 Europe captain:

"It's a completely different, role for me, obviously. And media, everything that's going on now, the Ryder Cup captaincy is getting bigger and bigger each year as it goes on. The media requirements are more and more and, I will do everything within my power to accommodate those and, it's, everything is working towards the one goal of trying to retain the trophy at Hazeltine

SOUNDBITE: (English) Darren Clarke, Ryder Cup 2016 Europe captain (on his approach to captaining Europe):

"I want to, try and help the guys and make them feel as comfortable as possible. That's what I'm there to do. I'm not hitting a golf ball that week, that's up to those guys and, the more comfortable that they are, and they feel, then hopefully the better they'll play. So, my job is basically just to keep the guys happy."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Darren Clarke, Ryder Cup 2016 Europe captain (on how captaining Europe will effect his play):

"Well, my schedule this year won't change an awful lot, but I envisage next year will be changing a little bit due to commitments with, the Ryder Cup, etcetera, so, try and enjoy it if I can and, it could be a blessing in disguise for me. It could take my mind away from, my technique and practicing as much as I am because I've got other things to think about and do, so hopefully it'll, work in my benefit."