Ryder Cup: Darren Clarke hits out at controversial article by Danny Willett's brother
By Keith Jackson at Hazeltine
Last Updated: 29/09/16 8:15am
Darren Clarke has expressed his disappointment over a magazine article written by Danny Willett's brother which was critical of crowds in the United States.
The article has caused a stir at Hazeltine National ahead of this week's Ryder Cup, and Clarke was unhappy with the timing of the piece and insisted the views of Pete Willett were "not reflective of Team Europe".
Clarke also admitted that Danny Willett was "bitterly disappointed" with the tone of his brother's comments, which were published two days ago but only made aware to the European captain on Wednesday morning.
"I was made aware of the article about an hour ago," Clarke said at his press conference. "I hadn't seen it, and as soon as I did, I went out to find Danny, who was playing in the last group out there this morning.
"I showed it to Danny, and he's bitterly disappointed in his brother's article. It is not what Danny thinks. It is not what I think. It is not what Team Europe stands for.
"So Danny was unaware of it, and he fully intends to speak to his brother whenever he comes in and tell him, express his displeasure to his brother about it, because that is not what Team Europe stands for.
"I was obviously very disappointed in it, as well, because that's an outside person expressing their opinion which is not representative of what our thoughts are."
Danny is bitterly disappointed in his brother's article. It is not what Danny thinks. It is not what I think. It is not what Team Europe stands for.
Darren Clarke
Clarke was keen to praise the spirit of the home crowds during the first two days of practice at Hazeltine, and he hopes the article will not create any hostility towards his players.
"The fans could not have been nicer and better to us this week, and hopefully that continues," added Clarke. "And as I say, the article was beyond our control, and Danny is bitterly disappointed himself.
"It's up to Danny to speak to his brother whenever he comes in and express that. I will let him deal with it between siblings. It's one of those real disappointing things. But as I say, it's Danny's brother's opinion, not Danny's or Team Europe's opinion, so Danny will resolve that."
