Darren Clarke says he’s not afraid to drop his mates from the Ryder Cup team

Clarke wants to keep a firm grip on this trophy

We sat down with Europe’s Ryder Cup captain, Darren Clarke, to discuss everything from Guinness to the gym, fishing to OCD, and why there’s no room for sentiment when it comes to picking a winning Ryder Cup team…

You are portrayed as a laid-back character, always out for a good time. Is that an accurate summary?

I enjoy myself – I like to relax in the pub with a pint – but my OCD for success, my craving for success, doesn’t permit me to be anything other than deadly serious for things I am serious about. I have a very, very, very active mind. I’m always thinking. I am very, very, very organised, especially in terms of a time schedule. I plan things a long way in advance and am meticulous with my planning. I like to know what I’m doing.

You don’t like to leave things to chance then?

I am the polar opposite. I am a person of extremes. And certainly with something as serious as the Ryder Cup, which is my main focus this year.

So do you have a more organised, calculating, ruthless side?

I’m probably not the person to answer that. But I will say that all is not what it seems.

What role has discipline played in your life?

Have I always had discipline in my life? In relation to going to the bar to have a few pints when I should have been going to the gym? No. Have I had discipline in terms of practising hard? I practised harder than anyone. And that might surprise quite a few people. I work hard – really hard – but I also enjoy myself when I can. There is a balance to be struck, but my tendency would be to work, work, work, work. Everyone needs some me time and a release.

Does your craving for accomplishment go beyond the golf course?

I want to be the best I can be, no matter what that is. Whether that be golf, fishing, father to my boys. I want to be the best I can be.

My way of relaxing might be to go and have a couple of drinks but that doesn’t mean I’m not thinking and planning and working on how I can’t be the best I can be.

If you are a control freak with your life, will your Ryder Cup captaincy involve a bit more than a crate of Guinness and a few laughs?

It’s very important to me. To be named Ryder Cup captain was a great honour. I’m doing everything I can to make it a success and bring the trophy back home.

So have you thought about your speech yet?

It’s done. With some specialist help. I’ve been on autocue already, too.

You’ll inevitably have to make tough decisions about players you have played in many Ryder Cups with…

The Ryder Cup is very special and important to me. There is no room for sentiment. Yes, I’ll have to make some tough decisions, but I’ve got a great team around me already to help. I will make the final calls, but I will consult with my team.

Have you thought about pairings?

It is a long way out so there really isn’t much point pondering really… but I’ve had one or two thoughts when I’ve been on a long flight.

What makes a good leader and captain?

To lead people and to have the respect of people in order to lead them a) demands a lot of respect and b) isn’t always plain sailing so you’ve got to be prepared to be flexible to succeed. Hopefully I will be good at making those decisions.