Darren Clarke has named Sam Torrance as his fifth and final European Ryder Cup vice-captain two months before the showdown against the United States at Hazeltine.

European skipper Clarke had already recruited Thomas Bjorn, Padraig Harrington, Paul Lawrie and Ian Poulter to assist him in Minnesota.

And the Northern Irishman has now turned to the vastly experienced Torrance, who captained Europe to victory at The Belfry back in 2002 and played in eight consecutive Ryder Cups from 1981 to 1995.

Torrance has also taken the role as vice-captain in 1999 as well as two years ago under Paul McGinley at Gleneagles and the Scotsman is relishing being part of the prestigious event once again.

He said: "It goes without saying that I am very proud to be part of the backroom team for the 2016 Ryder Cup. It is a tremendous honour and as soon as Darren asked me, I had no hesitation in saying yes.

"I have known Darren for many years and have great respect for him and all that he has achieved in the game. I think you can see in all the hard work and attention to detail he has put in already that he will be a great captain and he knows he can count on me to be of service to the team in any way I can.

"Obviously the Ryder Cup has been hugely important to me in my career, both as a player and a captain, and I am therefore really looking forward to adding another chapter to the story at Hazeltine."

Clarke said: "I am absolutely delighted to name Sam as my fifth and final vice-captain for the match at Hazeltine.

"There is nothing in terms of the Ryder Cup that he hasn't seen, done, or been part of since he first played in the contest 35 years ago and I know that experience will be vital to everyone involved with Team Europe this time round."

He added: "I have tremendous respect for Sam as a person and in terms of the Ryder Cup, he was a fantastic captain in 2002.

"I cannot speak highly enough of the way he guided myself and the entire team that year in what were difficult circumstances after the 2001 contest was postponed. I know he will bring that same knowledge and guile again this time round."