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Graeme McDowell is the latest high-profile European golfer to add his support to Darren Clarke's bid to become Ryder Cup captain.
Clarke has emerged as the firm favourite to replace Paul McGinley when Europe will attempt to secure a fourth consecutive victory in the contest at Hazeltine in 2016.
The former Open champion has an excellent pedigree in the Ryder Cup having played on four winning teams before enjoying further success as assistant captain in both 2010 and 2012.
He has already received support from the likes of Rory McIlroy, Lee Westwood and Padraig Harrington, and McDowell believes Clarke's credentials and his popularity in the United States give him the edge over fellow contenders Miguel Angel Jimenez and Thomas Bjorn.
"I'm also backing Darren for the 2016 European Team captaincy and he's an obvious pick," said McDowell following the third round of the BMW Masters in Shanghai.
"I have been speaking to Thomas (Bjorn) about 2016 but he believes he can still make the team as a player. There's also Miguel who would have to be considered but I believe Darren's got the credentials.
"Unlike past years Europe seems now to have this clear window for 2016 as far as Darren is concerned, but for 2018 and beyond you then will have players stacking up with the likes of Bjorn, Miguel, Harrington and Westwood in the mix for consideration."
Three-time major winner Harrington gave his backing to Clarke last week following similar endorsements from world No 1 McIlroy and Ryder Cup veteran Westwood.
"I would have to say I am supporting Darren, absolutely," Harrington said. "I think he deserves it. He's been a big star in Europe for a long number of years, he's done a lot for European golf through the end of the '90s, early 2000s and I think he'll do a good job."
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