Ryder Cup captains :: Social media reaction

With Darren Clarke yesterday revealed as the European Ryder Cup captain and Davis Love III expected to be officially named as his opponent next week, the bunkered social media platforms have been inundated with thoughts on the two appointments.

The two captains, who are reportedly good friends, will face off at Hazeltine in 2016 as Europe look to continue their recent Ryder Cup success, winning six of the last seven competitions, while the USA will be looking to stop the rot with Love no doubt desperate for revenge in his second stint as captain after being on the receiving end of the ‘Miracle at Medinah’ in 2012.

The reaction to Clarke’s appointment has been largely positive, with most people over on the bunkered Facebook page saying the 2011 Open champion is the right man for the job.

Finlay Morrison said: “Great appointment and I think an ‘away’ fixture will actually suit him better. He’ll have a strong team around him too.”

GMac tweeted: “Great decision!! Darren will make sure the guys understand the importance of it and they’ll all give him 100%. Well done.”

However, although Miguel Angel Jimenez and Thomas Bjorn were reportedly the only other contenders for the role, there were a couple of posts from people who were disappointed that Sandy Lyle missed out.

Gary Nisbett said: “Still think it’s wrong that Sandy Lyle has been overlooked once again.”

While Clarke was always considered to be the favourite to become Team Europe’s Ryder Cup captain, the announcement of Love as his opponent on Monday was somewhat of a surprise, with three-time Presidents Cup winning captain Fred Couples and 2008 Ryder Cup skipper Paul Azinger thought to be more obvious choices.

That view has been shared by some of the comments bunkered has had on Love’s appointment.

Colin Lee said: “If I were American I’d be putting all my support with Paul Azinger. He’s the only ‘European style’ captain the Americans have had in the last 20 years.”

But others think Love could turn it around at Hazeltine and bounce back from the USA’s final day disappointment at the 2012 Ryder Cup.

Dwight Tichenor said: “Don’t discount this quietly determined man. He has universal respect from all the US players and I think he’ll surprise.”

 The Ryder Cup captains :: Your thoughts

What do you make of the appointment of the two Ryder Cup captains? Good decisions? Or were there better choices out there? Leave your thoughts in the ‘Comments’ section below.