Cape Town - Masters Champion Sergio Garcia is the latest high profile golfer to throw his weight behind the ‘candidacy’ of Padraig Harrington for the Ryder Cup captaincy.

By all accounts, Harrington is the outright favourite to secure the captaincy ahead of Whistling Straits. The fact he was vice-captain on three previous occasions does not harm his chances either.

Garcia thinks the two-time Open Champion will be an outstanding Ryder Cup captain, who possesses the capacity to build on the enormous European successes over the past three decades.

Speaking to Sky this week, Garcia said: “Of course I will back him.”

“He’s been a great Ryder Cup player for us. He’s played the European Tour for so many years and I think he could be a great Ryder Cup captain and hopefully he will be one,” added Garcia.

There is overwhelming evidence to suggest that Harrington already has this captaincy race in the bag and Garcia is not at all surprised by that.

“The talks seem to be heading towards Padraig. Every captain brings something different to the table and I am sure the next one will do the same.

“Thomas [Bjorn] did well, I think there are things the next captain could learn from the way Thomas handled things so I think it’s just a matter of trying to improve every time."