Luke Donald has agreed to stay on as Europe’s Ryder Cup captain and will lead the team in New York in 2025.
Donald led Europe to a stunning success in Rome in September, Europe winning 16.5-11.5, to reclaim the trophy following a chastening defeat at Whistling Straights in 2021.
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The players made it clear they wanted the 45-year-old Englishman to retain the captaincy and that was confirmed today.
Donald said: “I’m delighted and honoured to have been given the chance to lead Team Europe in the Ryder Cup once again. Great opportunities don’t come along very often in life and I’m a great believer that when they do, you need to grab them with both hands – this is one of these moments.
Two more years, anyone?
It’s going to be an honour to lead this amazing team once again in New York.
Let’s go #TEAMEUROPE 💙PIC.TWITTER.COM/YBBJHLGFYK
— Luke Donald (@LukeDonald) NOVEMBER 29, 2023
“I’ve been fortunate as a player to have had many amazing times in the Ryder Cup over the years and so to add being a winning captain to that, to form bonds with the 12 players like we did in Italy and to get the result we did, was very special indeed.
“The Ryder Cup means so much to me, so to be captain again and have the chance to create more history by becoming only the second European captain to win back-to-back is exciting.
“There is no question that being a captain away from home is a tough task. But I have never shied away from challenges throughout my career and it is precisely the kind of thing that motivates me. I can’t wait to get another 12-strong team to Bethpage in 2025.”
Europe have not won on US soil since 2012 when Donald secured a point on a final day dubbed ‘The Miracle of Medinah’ following their stunning comeback when it seemed the trophy was heading the States’ way.
He played in four Ryder Cups, winning every one, before serving as a vice-captain under Thomas Bjorn and Padraig Harrington in 2018 and 2021 respectively.
Guy Kinnings, executive director – Ryder Cup, said: “Luke was a superb captain in Rome and we are delighted that he will be returning to the role for the 2025 Ryder Cup in New York.
“He demonstrated clear, calm and meticulous leadership skills in Rome, and all those qualities will be big assets again for Luke and Team Europe as they take on the considerable challenge of trying to retain the Ryder Cup against a strong US Team backed by passionate support in New York.”
