McGinley won’t be influenced by Clarke rift

Victorious Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley admitted that his relationship with Darren Clarke would have no influence on who he backs to lead the side in 2016.

Fellow Irishman Clarke upset the status quo 19 months ago when he threw his hat late into the ring as a rival to McGinley for the 2014 captaincy.

However, while the Dubliner declared he would “100%” not be involved at Hazeltine, Minnesota, for the team’s bid for four in a row having promised “like a heavyweight fighter, I’ll retire undefeated”, McGinley said his relationship with Clarke would have no bearing on his 2016 candidacy.