Published Thursday, 16 August 2012
Darren Clarke has been named as a Ryder Cup vice-captain for Europe. (© Getty)
Team captain José María Olazábal has picked Clarke, Dubliner Paul McGinley and Dane Thomas Bjørn to assist with his bid to lead Europe to victory over the United States - with one more to be announced.
Olazábal has said he and all three of his vice-captains "bonded well" when they worked together to support 2010 captain Colin Montgomerie, with his team going on to clinch the coveted title.
I'm really pleased to be part of José María's team.
Darren Clarke
"All three are world-class golfers with tremendous experience of playing in the Ryder Cup, which is absolutely invaluable," Olazábal said of his chosen men.
"For me to have these guys - all such great friends - by my side is fantastic.
"I know, like me, they will now be counting down the days to Medinah with one aim - to return home with the Cup."
The trio of vice-captains have played in ten Ryder Cups between them, taking nine wins.
McGinley, who holed the winning putt on his Ryder Cup debut in 2002, said: "I'm thrilled to be part of Team Europe again."
And it was a sentiment echoed by Clarke, who added: "I know that we can instil that relaxed atmosphere in the team room and help the captain get the best out of the players."
Bjørn said he knew an experienced backroom team could make all the difference.
"Together we will be looking to support the captain in making good decisions and making the team feel comfortable with what they are doing," he said.
The United States team is captained by David Love III, who has named Fred Couples, Mike Hulbert, Jeff Sluman and Scott Verplank as his assistants.
Europe and the US will go head-to-head at Medinah Country Club in Chicago from 28-30 September.
Take a look back at the last ten Ryder Cup tournaments in our Europe v US gallery!