Players react to Clarke being named ’16 RC captain

One of the worst-kept secrets in golf was confirmed Wednesday when Darren Clarke was named the 2016 European Ryder Cup captain. Clarke, 46, is immensely popular among current players and European Tour brass, and that much was clear from the reaction to the news:

Congrats Captain @DarrenClarke60! I'm sure you'll be an amazing asset to #TeamEurope. Go Europe

— Sergio Garcia (@TheSergioGarcia) February 18, 2015

Pleased to announce @DarrenClarke60 will lead the team in 2016. http://t.co/6b3RjcTn0C pic.twitter.com/3cE1Hwg5L6

— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) February 18, 2015

Congratulations @DarrenClarke60 on your selection as @RyderCupEurope next captain. Well deserved. My best

— GARY PLAYER (@garyplayer) February 18, 2015

Congratulations to @DarrenClarke60 being appointed as 2016 @RyderCupEurope Captain. That's great news and will be a first class captain.

— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) February 18, 2015

Congratulations DC/slim! #rydercupcaptain #Captainclarke A photo posted by Lee Westwood (@westwood_lee) on Feb 18, 2015 at 5:41am PST

Congratulations @darrenclarke60 on being appointed the @rydercupteameurope Captain. #TeamEurope #captaindc #2016 A photo posted by Justin Rose (@justinprose99) on Feb 18, 2015 at 4:38am PST

.I'm so happy for @DarrenClarke60 ...such a well deserved honour ... now the tough job to retain the @rydercup #bringiton

— chubby chandler (@chubby6665) February 18, 2015

Europe's new Ryder Cup captain @DarrenClarke60. Looking the part Darren! #captaindc pic.twitter.com/Bnx6VGazZc

— International Sports Management (@TeamISM) February 18, 2015

Congrats to @DarrenClarke60 on being named Captain!!

— Peter Uihlein (@PeterUihlein) February 18, 2015