Clarke almost nailed on to lead Europe at 2014 Ryder Cup

Darren Clarke remains 8/11 to be the European captain at the 2014 Ryder Cup and based on information reported in some quarters, this is free money.

There is speculation that he has already been approached by the European Tour to succeed Jose Maria Olazabal and further claims that he is fully interested in leading the Europeans at Gleneagles.

This would make Clarke almost a shoo-in for the role, although nothing will be formally announced until January.

Only a fortnight ago it was another of the European vice-captains from the recent triumph over the US at Medinah in Paul McGinley that was largely expected to step up in two years.

However, he has since drifted to 11/8 to be the next European captain and it certainly appears a two-man shoot out with Colin Montgomerie the next best at 8/1.

Clarke’s name as almost become synonymous with the Ryder Cup, being vice captain in each of Europe’s last two winning efforts and tasting success as a player on four occasions from five attempts.

Meanwhile, his displays in 2006 just weeks after the death of his wife Heather will live long in the memory.

Every player on the team will almost certainly play for Clarke, while he would seemingly have the edge over McGinley in terms of his public speaking skills and potentially from a tactical standpoint.

Furthermore, picking Clarke would surely be the more popular choice with European golf fans, who recognise the turmoil he has previously been through.

The fact he is a major winner as a player must also sit in his favour.

Meanwhile, according to Lee Westwood, McGinley’s greatest strength lies in the team room and this is arguably a greater skill set for a vice captain over the lead skipper.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.