“I think a postponement would probably be the best way forward and make it bigger and better than ever next year.”

In recent days, there has been increasing speculation that this year’s event will be put back to next year although there is yet to be any official announcement.

‘Guys revel in Ryder Cup atmosphere’

The 2011 Open champion thinks a postponement is the best solution for the good of the competition even though he believes a behind closed doors event at Whistling Straits could benefit Padraig Harrington’s Europe side.

“To play it behind closed doors maybe would be a slight advantage to the European team because the Americans wouldn’t have their home support, which counts for a lot,” added the 51-year-old Northern Irishman.

“But the guys revel in the atmosphere. The whole atmosphere buzzes around the golf course and that’s a hugely important part of the Ryder Cup.”

Clarke has been home alone at his holiday residence in the Bahamas for the majority of the time since 14 March with his wife Alison unable to join him because of the global pandemic.

His son Tyrone, whose school is in Florida, was able to link up with him on the island of Abaco 10 days ago but Alison and his other son Conor remain in Northern Ireland.

“Alison was with me the week before that (14 March) when I was playing in California but she had to go home to take care of her business and do some things.

“Then all borders got shut so quickly that I couldn’t get Alison and Conor here.”