Luke Donald will remain as Team Europe’s Ryder Cup captain for the 2027 edition of the tournament at Adare Manor, where he will try to secure an unprecedented third win in a row.
An official announcement about the long-expected news came on Wednesday as Europe seek to build on the continuity and togetherness that inspired the victories in Rome and New York.
That triumph at Bethpage Black last year saw Donald join Tony Jacklin as the only European captain to win back-to-back Ryder Cups and while Jacklin then tied with Team USA at the Belfry in 1989 to retain the cup, Donald will harbour ambitions of a historic third straight out-and-out win.
“The last two Ryder Cups have meant a lot to me and my family. I didn’t imagine this third time would come,” Donald said on the Ryder Cup website.
“Celebrating on that Sunday night in New York after a pressure packed week in a tough environment, I thought maybe my job was done – but maybe there is a little more story to tell.
“This Ryder Cup captaincy journey has given me so much focus, so much purpose and it is something I don’t take for granted. It’s a real privilege and I am certainly looking forward to another home Ryder Cup.”
The move will only increase pressure on the PGA of America to tie down Tiger Woods to lead the US at Ireland’s Adare Manor next September to try and fight fire with fire.
Woods is thought to be the preferred choice to succeed Keegan Bradley’s faintly disastrous tenure last year but the 15-time major champion has been publicly vague on whether he will take up the offer.
“I’m trying to figure out what we’re trying to do with our tour [the PGA Tour],” Woods said last month. “That’s been driving me hours upon hours every day and trying to figure out if I can actually do our Team USA and our players and everyone that’s going to be involved in the Ryder Cup, justice with my time. Serving on two boards, and what I’m doing for the PGA Tour, I’m trying to figure out if I can actually do this and serve the people that are involved and serve them at an honourable level.”
The US have not won on European soil since 1993, when they triumphed 15-13 at the Belfry and, in fact, have lost nine of the 12 Ryder Cups to take place in the 21st century, regardless of location.
Donald is loved by his players after brilliantly captaining a 16.5-11.5 victory in Rome in 2023 before claiming an even more impressive, and rare, away win at Bethpage last September – where the Europeans held off a roaring American comeback in Sunday’s singles to triumph 15-13.
The team had made no secret of their desire to see the 48-year-old take charge for a third term, with Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry, and Tommy Fleetwood all publicly giving the Englishman their backing.
“We would happily have him [for two more years], but it’s obviously his call,” Lowry said int he immediate aftermath of the 2025 win. “He’s given up three years of his life. And he’s put in a lot of work. It’ll be a big deal for him to take it on again. God help whoever is going to fill his shoes. It’s like trying to come in after [former Man United manager] Sir Alex Ferguson. And we’ve seen how that’s gone over the last 12 years. I think it’ll be very tough shoes to fill.”
Donald had prevaricated about taking the role on for a third time, stressing the amount of commitment it takes, but always appreciated the support from those he managed.
“I talked to a few of the players and everyone I’ve spoken to would like me to do it again. That means a lot,” he said in an interview with The Times late last year. “I’ve obviously thought about it, but I don’t feel like I’m in a big rush.
“It’s high stress at times and it’s hard work but it’s something I love. I think you are chasing some history too. Nobody’s won three times in a row.
“A bigger legacy is up for grabs. I just need to sit down and see if it might work or might not. What does it look like and how many times do they need me?”
Donald was a playing member of the victorious European team at the 2006 Ryder Cup, held at the K Club in County Kildare, and admitted the prospect of captaining the team in Ireland was a real draw.
“The Irish golf fans are some of the best in the world. They are so passionate about the game, so hospitable and so down to earth,” said Donald. “They will bring such a great energy to the Ryder Cup. I am sure they will get behind our players and cheers us on.
“That’s what you want from a crowd – to pick you up in those low moments and keep you going when things are going well. That will be a big factor. It’s obviously one of the advantages of playing at home and there is no better place to do it than in Ireland.”
Team Europe stalwart Justin Rose had been regarded as one of the other leading candidates for the captaincy in 2027, though the Englishman previously highlighted his desire to continue as a player in the tournament, adding that “the captaincy is not in two years time, it starts in two months, or something” and “that’s something I haven’t got my head around”.
With Donald – now firmly in the conversation as the greatest European captain of all time – leading the blue team once again, the possibility of a mouthwatering match-up with Woods – perhaps the greatest golfer, and winner, of all time – is tantalisingly close.
Speaking at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic in January, Donald reflected on that possibility, saying: “Tiger’s had my number pretty much 99 per cent of my career, although I did all right against him in Ryder Cups. He still moves the needle more than probably anyone.”
Donald received a boost with news that the DP World Tour had reached an agreement with Tyrrell Hatton over their dispute, clearing a path towards another Ryder Cup appearance for the Englishman despite his involvement with LIV Golf.
However, Jon Rahm still remains in fierce dispute with the tour, accusing them of “extorting” players and appealing against the fines imposed on him. The Spaniard’s eligibility for the 2027 Ryder Cup is thus still in severe doubt – something Donald will no doubt have to address.
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