The 2016 Ryder Cup already has its captains in pectore: Europe nominated Darren Clarke from Northern Ireland yesterday, while the USA have yet to formalize their choice, but by now it seems certain that the lucky one will be David Love III.
Clarke, 46, boasts 14 victories on the European Tour, including a prestigious Open Championship and no less than seven appearances at Ryder, two as assistant and 5 as a player, as well as 4 trophies. He is the first captain born in Northern Ireland and his candidacy has been supported by two weight champions in his compatriots Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell.
“The Ryder Cup is a huge part of my life and my career – commented Clarke – and to have the opportunity to lead the team next year is a great honor for me”.
Davis Love III, 51, is instead in his second attempt as captain, since he was also at the helm in 2012 when the US was sensationally shipwrecked at home, in Medinah. It may seem strange that the Americans insist on a "loser", yet Love III is a much loved and respected player and it is presumed he has a healthy desire for revenge against his opponents, especially since in Medinah his team dominated the matches in the first two days. The return game will be played Sept. 30 to Oct. 2 next year in Minnesota at the Hazeltine National Golf Club and the Ryder frenzy has already started.
In the meantime, the current warm season is being disputed and the Northern Trust Open begins today, on the Riviera CC course in Pacific Palisades, California. Francesco Molinari will also be on the field, in his fourth round on the USA circuit. Molinari will try to accumulate points to move up positions in the world rankings and to be able to play, from 5 to 8 March, one of the most important matches of this period, namely the 'World Golf Championship Cadillac, at Trump National Doral in Miami.
However, there are many important players who have decided to compete at the Riviera this year starting with Bubba Watson, outgoing champion, then Keegan Bradley, Jim Furyk, Dustin Johnson, Hunter Mahan, Webb Simpson, Jordan Spieth, Brandt Snedeker, who has returned to success in the AT&T National Pro Am. Also in the field are the Spaniards Sergio Garcia and Gonzalo Fernandez Castaño, the British Luke Donald and Paul Casey, the South Africans Ernie Els and Charl Schwartzel.
The prize pool is $6,7 million with first coin $1.206.000. The race is broadcast live on Sky Sports.
