McIlroy opts for G-Mac over Clarke for World Cup squad

Darren Clarke’s Open Championship victory was not enough to get him into Ireland’s two-man team for the World Cup in China in November.

As world number four Rory McIlroy, had the right to invite Clarke, Graeme McDowell or Padraig Harrington to be his partner, and opted for McDowell.

“G-Mac’s the next highest on the rankings, so it will be me and him again,” the 22-year-old said today on the eve of the Irish Open at Killarney.

Clarke moved up from 111th to 30th with his triumph at Sandwich two weeks ago, while three-major winner Harrington is now down at 64th.

McIlroy and McDowell represented Ireland – in golf, the South and North come together – the last time the World Cup was staged two years ago, finishing second to Italian brothers Edoardo and Francesco Molinari.