Ryder Cup 2016: Guide to the Europe team aiming for a fourth victory in a row

The Ryder Cup, one of the truly great events in world sport, takes place at Hazeltine this week. Yahoo Sport’s Nick Metcalfe profiles the European team that will go into the contest as underdogs in Minnesota.

Darren Clarke (captain)
Age: 48
Ryder Cup appearances: 5 (as player)

A titan of European golf for a quarter of a century. A popular figure with fans, Clarke undoubtedly has the capabilities to inspire his team. However, there do remain question marks over the Northern Irishman’s temperament when the chips are down, and it will be fascinating to see how he deals with the inevitable pressure that will come his way at Hazeltine.

Rory McIlroy
Age: 27
Ryder Cup appearances: 3

A hugely important figure for Europe at Hazeltine, with the potential to be a talisman for his team. Some pundits have voiced concern over an apparent decline in form for the Northern Irishman for much of this year, but the brilliance of the four-time major winner never seems far away and his victories in the Deutsche Bank Championship earlier this month, and the Tour Championship last week, were timely indeed.

Danny Willett
Age: 28
Ryder Cup appearances: 0

The Englishman became an overnight superstar following his remarkable Masters triumph in April. Willett is good enough to win more majors in the future for sure, but has gone off the boil to some extent in recent months. Either way, the 28-year-old is unlikely to be fazed by playing in the Ryder Cup for the first time.

Henrik Stenson
Age: 40
Ryder Cup appearances: 3

The golfing world as a whole was delighted when Stenson finally won his first major at the age of 40 this year, with that stunning Open triumph at Royal Troon. The Swedish superstar is bound to be paired again with Justin Rose - they won three matches from three together at Gleneagles two years ago. The only concern is a knee injury which Stenson has been struggling with in recent weeks.

Chris Wood
Age: 28
Ryder Cup appearances: 0

The Englishman came to prominence at the 2008 Open, when he finished tied for fifth while still an amateur. Wood claimed a career high win this year, claiming victory in the flagship event on the European Tour, the PGA Championship at Wentworth. As with all the rookies turning out for the visitors, he will need to find his feet quickly in what is always an intense week.

Sergio Garcia
Age: 36
Ryder Cup appearances: 7

Clearly a key figure for Europe, with the Spaniard having a wealth of Ryder Cup experience. His seven previous matches have included four in America. Europe may have dominated this contest in recent decades, but if his team-mates want to know how defeat feels, Garcia can tell them, having played in the 1999 and 2008 matches.

Rafa Cabrera-Bello
Age: 32
Ryder Cup appearances: 0

Sheer consistency has seen the Spaniard make Europe’s team for the first time. He was runner-up in successive weeks in Qatar and Dubai, and also finished in the top five on five other occasions. But he does have an ordinary record in majors and Clarke will hope he settles down quickly. Cabrera-Bello does have previous team golf experience, having represented Spain in the 2013 World Cup.

Justin Rose
Age: 36
Ryder Cup appearances: 3

Still on cloud nine after his Olympic triumph in Rio. There haven’t been many better sporting sights in 2016 than Rose claiming victory in Brazil. The Englishman is in Europe’s team for the fourth time, although it seems like more. Rose has been superb every time he’s played at this event, winning four crucial points in Gleneagles last time out. If he finds his best form, he could be a priceless asset for the visitors.

Andy Sullivan
Age: 30
Ryder Cup appearances: 0

Sullivan was part of Britain & Ireland’s victorious Walker Cup team in 2011. The Englishman lost to Jordan Spieth in the singles that week - what a story it would be if they met again at Hazeltine. Sullivan claimed three tournament wins last year, a major factor in him making the European Ryder Cup team for the first time.

Matt Fitzpatrick
Age: 22
Ryder Cup appearances: 0

The former US Amateur champion won his first European tour title last October, the British Masters. The Sheffield man, who finished in a tie for seventh at the Masters this year, has only just turned 22 and clearly has an extremely bright future in the game. However, he has struggled with his putting for much of 2016 to date.

(Three captain’s picks)

Lee Westwood
Age: 43
Ryder Cup appearances: 9

A no-brainer of a pick for captain Clarke. Westwood brings with him a huge amount of Ryder Cup experience - he will be making an amazing 10th appearance for Europe at Hazeltine. He may have lacked the ability to close the deal in majors but in the white hot atmosphere of a Ryder Cup, Westwood isn’t often found wanting.

Martin Kaymer
Age: 31
Ryder Cup appearances: 3

Another obvious captain’s pick, especially with the number of rookies on board. Kaymer’s ice cool temperament has often been invaluable in European teams. The German, twice a major winner, will forever be associated with sinking the putt that clinched victory in the incredible Medinah contest four years ago.

Thomas Pieters
Age: 24
Ryder Cup experience: 0

Picked by Clarke on form, pure and simple. Pieters finished fourth at the Olympics, was second in his defence of the Czech Masters and then won the final qualifying event in Denmark, shooting opening rounds of 62 and 71 while playing alongside Clarke. The Belgian has only played in two majors though and he’s another on Europe’s team that has to rise to the occasion quickly.