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Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke backs Rory McIlory to deliver

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Darren Clarke is excited by the form the European players are showing ahead of this year's Ryder Cup

European Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke has no doubt that Rory McIlory will conquer his Augusta demons and claim a career Grand Slam.

The Northern Irishman followed Saturday's disappointing 77 with a one-under-par final round at the Masters, leaving him well adrift as Danny Willett emerged victorious in a dramatic finale.

Having claimed US Open, The Open and two US PGA titles in the last five years, McIlroy is just one short of a 'full house' and admitted he needs to overcome a 'mental hurdle' to finally conquer Augusta National.

Compatriot Clarke is confident that success will come sooner rather than later.

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Danny Willett attempted to describe how he felt after winning the 2016 Masters

Speaking at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, Clarke told Sky Sports News HQ: "I have no qualms about Rory. He is probably the most talented golfer in the world. He's so good it's only a matter of time before he wins at Augusta.

"He didn't play his best at the weekend over there but you know he wants to win too much and too badly. I'm sure he's going to get back to winning ways very very soon. 

"Augusta is set up perfectly for him and I have no doubt he is going to win there at some stage."

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The picture is looking rosy for European Ryder Cup backers at this stage with seven European players finishing in the top 10 at the Masters, but Clarke says there is still plenty of time for others to stake their claims for a place in his 12-man team.

AUCHTERARDER, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 28:  Europe team captain Paul McGinley celebrates winning the Ryder Cup with his team after the Singles Matches of the 2
Image: Captain Paul McGinley celebrates Ryder Cup success at Gleneagles in 2014

He said: "Any time you seen seven European in the top 10 at a major that is going to be good news, especially in Ryder Cup year. It was wonderful to see - I just hope they are all in the same form when it come to September at Hazeltine!

"There is a long way to go yet before qualification ends. I'm sure the team make up will change between now and then. My stats people say there are four people that are 100 per cent certain to be there but there is still long way to go and a lot can change. 

"Even as a captain, I'm excited like everyone else to see who is going to make the team and who is going to miss out."

The 2016 Ryder Cup is being held at Hazeltine in the United States and takes place from September 30 to October 2. You will be able to follow every shot with us on Sky Sports TV and on the Sky Sports website and apps.

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