Clarke may clear way for McGinley

Ireland’s Paul McGinley closed in on the 2014 Ryder Cup captaincy last night after one of his key rivals, compatriot Darren Clarke admitted: “As much as I would dearly love to be captain, this may not be my time.”

The 2011 British Open champion is not officially pulling out of the race yet, but it will be no surprise now if next Tuesday’s tournament committee meeting in Abu Dhabi comes down to a choice between McGinley and Colin Montgomerie.

Clarke himself raised the possibility last month of Montgomerie being recalled to face golfing great Tom Watson, America’s surprise choice to be captain at Gleneagles next year, three years after he was in charge for the victory in Wales.