Team Europe have called for Luke Donald to remain as their Ryder Cup captain at Adare Manor in 2027 after beating the U.S. Team again at Bethpage Black this weekend
Luke Donald remains tight-lipped about whether he will captain the Team Europe Ryder Cup squad again at Adare Manor in 2027. No American or European captain has led a team for three consecutive tournaments this millennium, as Bernard Gallacher was the final European to do three in a row from 1991 to 1995.
Gallacher succeeded Tony Jacklin, who helmed the side for four successive editions from 1983 to 1989. Donald joined Jacklin in becoming only the second European captain to triumph at home and away.
The latter, as Donald managed, secured the trophy on home soil before claiming victory in America and then returning triumphant. Jacklin suffered defeat in his inaugural overseas campaign and drew his final match.
Europe, however, retained the cup at The Belfry in 1989. Therefore, there exists some precedent for sustained success across an extended timeframe.
Donald, nevertheless, has yet to reach any immediate conclusions regarding his captaincy future. “I don’t think my heart can take two more years,” he responded to chants from the Team Europe camp and European supporters: “Two more years!”.
Nevertheless, he clarified that “we’ll see” when questioned whether his earlier comment constituted a “no” to the plea. “We’ll see,” the host of Sunday’s trophy ceremony reiterated, before adding: “OK, you heard it here first!”
Donald faced the same question again during the post-match press conference and answered: “My answer is I’m going to enjoy tonight.” Explaining what made the win possible, he added: “Well, having a repeat captain for one.
“I was just fortunate to have a team that knew me and trusted me. That’s all I’ve ever tried to do is just be the best prepared I can be.
“So many different things I went into this deal with, the environment, the communication with the players. But yeah, I’m so, so, happy for them.”
Shane Lowry also urged his captain to stay on, “Let’s do it again in Ireland,” but Donald replied, “No comment.” Jon Rahm echoed the same feelings: “Luke has set the bar for captaincy so extremely high,” the Spanish golfer said.
“What he’s done these four years of being a part of is absolutely astonishing. He has been so professional, so dedicated, so incredibly meticulous, and well organised and doing everything that he needs to do.
“That’s why you’ve seen the two performances you’ve seen from us. He’s the leader of the ship, and he’s definitely led us the right way. The only thing left to say from I think all of us is two more years.”
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