• Ryder Cup

Clarke rules himself out of Ryder Cup race

ESPN staff
January 15, 2013
Darren Clarke will not captain Europe in 2014 © Getty Images
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Darren Clarke is out of the running to be Europe's Ryder Cup captain, saying he wants to concentrate on his golf.

The decision by the 2011 Open champion was not a surprise after hinting last week he might withdraw. But with Clarke advising the European Tour's tournament committee of his decision, it makes it a two-man race ahead of the vote in Abu Dhabi later on Tuesday.

The favourite for the job is Paul McGinley, who faces a late challenge from former captain Colin Montgomerie.

On Tuesday, McGinley received the backing of world No. 1 Rory McIlroy, who has aggressively campaigned for the 46-year-old Irishman and raised concerns about Montgomerie leading the team for a second time.

Other players, including third-ranked Luke Donald, have also endorsed McGinley.

Clarke said he informed Thomas Bjorn, chairman of the players committee, that he did not "want to be considered for the Ryder Cup captaincy in 2014."

The Northern Irishman hinted at renewed hopes of qualifying for the competition as a player.

"It was not a spur of the moment decision," Clarke said. "I have been agonising over what to do since I showed a few glimpses of my old form in Thailand and Australia at the end of last year."

This article originally appeared on ESPN.com

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