No rush to name European captain

Last updated: 18th December 2012

It may take longer than expected to find out who will lead Europe against Tom Watson's men at the next Ryder Cup.

European Tour chief executive George O'Grady said the decision would "not necessarily" be made at the next tournament committee meeting ahead of the Abu Dhabi Championship next month.

Darren Clarke is the favourite to lead the European side, but many - including World No 1 Rory McIlroy - feel that Paul McGinley should get the nod for Scotland in 2014, with Clarke following in 2016.

The tournament committee may take the decision to delay the announcemount further and name both forthcoming captains at the same time.

Colin Montgomerie, captain at Celtic Manor two years ago and a member of the committee, said: "It will be a very interesting debate and I will listen to it."

Ian Woosnam and Nick Faldo were named for the 2008 and 2010 matches at the same time and Montgomerie added: "There is an opportunity to do two at one time again. Both (Clarke and McGinley) are respected in the game and great candidates.

"The fact that Tom Watson has been made America's captain should not colour our judgement. We should have only one criteria - picking the best man for the job."