Darren Clarke expressed his delight at getting the Ryder Cup captaincy as he looked forward to leading Europe's bid for an unprecedented fourth victory in succession.
Clarke will captain the side at Hazeltine in 2016, where his opposite number will be his good friend Davis Love, who has been given a second chance to skipper the United States after being on the wrong end of the 'Miracle at Medinah' in 2012.
Speaking to RTÉ Sport's Greg Allen at London's Heathrow Airport, Clarke said: "it's a huge honour to be Ryder Cup captain."
Whilst he recognised that the USA will be desperate to win back the trophy, he did emphasise that the Ryder Cup is truly a "special" event.
"America do wan't to win the Ryder Cup back. That's what makes it such a wonderful event," he said.
"The European stranglehold will break. Things are cyclical.
"It's not a question of America having to win the Ryder Cup. The Ryder Cup will always be special no matter who wins it."
As to doing battle with Davis Love, Clarake added: "What made this honour even more amazing is that Davis Love has been elected American captain. We have been very good friends ever since I first started playing in America and I have the upmost respect for him as both a player and a person.
"It won't stop me doing everything I possibly can to ensure the European team beats his, but whatever the result we will remain friends first and foremost."
