(CNN)Darren Clarke is Europe's new Ryder Cup captain. The 46-year-old has been tasked with maintaining the continent's dominance in golf's biennial battle with the United States, Europe having won six of the last seven installments. Clarke played in five successive Ryder Cups between 1997 and 2006, losing only once, and has been part of winning teams as a vice captain in 2010 and 2012. The Northern Irishman was chosen ahead of Spain's Miguel Angel Jimenez, who has featured in four Ryder Cups as a player, winning two. He has been vice captain three times, winning all of them. "I am naturally extremely proud to be selected as European Ryder Cup captain for 2016," Clarke told the European Tour's official website.
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Darren Clarke named European Ryder Cup captain for the 2016 installment
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Northern Irishman beat competition from Miguel Angel Jimenez and Thomas Bjorn
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Clarke won four out of five Ryder Cups as a player and was vice captain in 2010 and 2012
"He is also a popular figure among the players and has both the passion and knowledge to lead @placeholder in the quest for a record fourth consecutive Ryder Cup victory."