Darren Clarke looking towards experience

• Darren Clarke hints experienced names will be wildcard picks
• It could mean bad news for current world No.20 Russell Knox
• “There is still a lot to play for,” said the Ryder Cup captain

Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke has dropped a hint that he’ll be looking to fill the remaining spots of his European team with experienced faces – meaning Russell Knox could face being the odd one out.

Speaking ahead of the Made in Denmark, the final counting event towards the Ryder Cup before he makes his wildcard picks on Tuesday, the 2011 Open champion didn’t give much away but certainly insinuated that he would be looking towards experience to bolster a European side which currently has five rookies.

“I would be looking maybe towards experience” – Darren Clarke

“I would be looking maybe towards experience to balance the team up,” said Darren Clarke. “But that doesn’t mean I won’t pick a rookie. Everyone I’m looking at, at the moment, would balance the team, whatever way that might be. It will be finding the right blend.

Read more -> Russell Knox ‘won’t sulk in the corner’

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“There are a few guys and they all have something a bit different. It’s very important to get a blend and balance and that’s what I’m endeavouring to do.

“I’ve got my own thoughts, but there is still a lot to play for. There are guys playing here this week who I’m considering and guys playing in The Barclays I’m considering. I’ll be paying very close attention to what happens in both. There is a huge amount of interest with our three remaining wildcards and whoever they are will be three fantastic additions to the nine guys we already have.”

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Knox would have already qualified for the Ryder Cup had he been a member of the European Tour when he won the WGC-HSBC Champions in November and said he’s done ‘everything he could do’ to force his way into the team.

Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer are widely expected to be two of Clarke’s three wildcard picks, with Knox in a battle with the likes of experienced Ryder Cup campaigners Graeme McDowell and Luke Donald for the final spot.

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Darren Clarke :: Will he pick Russell Knox?

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