Monday 18 January 2016 15:29, UK
Darren Clarke believes skippering Europe to a comprehensive victory at the EurAsia Cup was a valuable learning experience ahead of the Ryder Cup in September.
Clarke's side cruised to a dominant 13-point win over Asia in Kuala Lumpur, and the Northern Irishman vowed to be an even better team captain when Europe bid for a fourth consecutive Ryder Cup triumph at Hazeltine.
He also hinted that veteran campaigners Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter, who both played starring roles as captain's picks in Malaysia, will be involved either as players or assistant captains against the United States in the autumn.
"The team have played fantastic this week," said Clarke. "There have been a lot of positives this week. I've learnt a few things, and hopefully I'll do a better job come September. But if the players don't play and don't perform, you can be the best captain in the world and you're not going to win.
"The scoreboard was flattering, but these boys played some sensational golf throughout the tournament. They bonded as a team and as pairings, and as a captain I couldn't have asked for more from them. These were some of the best players in the world who wanted to be here and they showed it.
"This week belongs to the players as they have just done fantastic. The quality of golf they have played has been impressive.
"What Lee and Poults have brought to the team room has been priceless. All of the young kids have listened to them, they've all learnt from them and I think it's been a hugely beneficial week.
"I have enjoyed this week immensely and it's been a wonderful learning experience. As everyone knows I have been around the game for a long time and done most things in the game.
"But this week has been different with the guys seemingly keen to listen to what I have had to say and if my little part in this week has helped them along then well be it.
"We will now go back after this week and sit down with the European Tour what I did well as a captain and what I could have done better, and then work on those areas so that we can get the whole package even better come September."
Westwood, who romped to a one-sided 7&6 win over Nicholas Fung to secure his third win of the week, added: "There are young lads on this team and ones that are going to be playing in the Ryder Cup obviously later on in the year.
"This is going to be a great experience for them, just feeding them into team golf gradually. And I'm sure they will benefit from this week. Nothing but positives to come out."
