Tiger Woods told by Ryder Cup legend: I think it's your duty to take US captaincy

European Ryder Cup legend Tony Jacklin says he believes it is Tiger Woods' duty to accept the US captaincy. 

Woods, 50, has been offered the chance to succeed heartbroken Keegan Bradley as the skipper for next year's matches in Ireland. 

Europe have dominated the Ryder Cup for the past decade having won seven out of the previous 10 contest and will go for three in a row next September at Adare Manor. 

Luke Donald has already agreed to assume the captaincy again for Europe and will go for an historic three-peat.

Before Donald accepted the role for a third term, he hinted that a potential showdown against Woods played a small factor in his decision. 

But the 15-time major champion, who previously turned down the job, claims he is unsure if he can do the job justice given his other commitments to the PGA Tour. 

Jacklin told GBN that Woods would be "king of the hill forever" if he led the red, white and blue to an improbable victory. 

"I think the big story is, does Tiger really want to expose himself and do it (captain USA)?

"Tiger must know that, going into the matches in Ireland, Europe's going to be the overwhelming favourite. 

"So does he want to put himself up to get his backside kicked?

"I think it's his duty to do it. If he could do it and pull it off, he'd be king of the hill forever."

Jacklin backs Luke

Jacklin, who led Europe to back-to-back victories in 1985 and 1987, has also given his backing to Donald. 

"Luke was really the obvious choice," he said. 

"He's done such an excellent job over the past two years. 

"A number of us thought Justin Rose might be ready to take on the mantle, but he’s obviously playing some of the best golf of his life.

"As soon as he declined the opportunity, Luke was really the obvious choice. 

"It was just a question as to whether he wanted to take it on again.

"Thankfully, he said yes. I think that was the right answer, and I think we're going to be in a very strong position again."

Woods has reportedly been given asked to make his decision before next month's Masters.