European Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke believes golf’s most prestigious tournament could be held in Dubai in the future.

The Northern Ireland star, who will captain the European side in 2016 at Hazeltine Golf Club, Minnesota, USA, insists the UAE could take on the event at somestage.

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Speaking during the Audemars Piguet’s Golf invitational at the Troon Golf managed by Els Club in Dubai Sports City, the 47-year-old said: “The Els hosted the MENA Tour earlier this year, which I played in, and it was a massive success.

“I think that is very much a foot in the door for Els to start to look to host bigger tournaments.

“The Ryder Cup goes to countries who have supported the European Tour for a long time, and Dubai is doing that, so I am sure in the future the Tour will look favorably upon hosting golf’s biggest event here.”

Reflecting on the facilities that the Els has to offer, he added: “I have been coming to the Els Club for a long time. They are very hospitable, the course is wonderful and the practice facilities are second to none.”

Having been in Dubai to witness the conclusion of the 2015 Race to Dubai, Clarke, along with European Tour golfers such as Danny Willett, Lee Westwood and Henrik Stenson were enjoying a more relaxed round at the 18-hole championship course within Dubai Sports City as Audemars Piguet also announced their new partnership with Els as the club’s official timekeeper.

After the European Tour’s elite finished their rounds, each golfer was presented with watches from the new collection of Audemars Piguest before Clarke spoke about the future of golf at Els.