Alex Noren Ryder Cup 2025 Luke Donald Europe team vice captain Bethpage Black golf news
Swedish golfer Alex Noren has been named as Luke Donald’s fifth and final vice captain for Team Europe at the 2025 Ryder Cup. The tournament will take place at Bethpage Black in New York from September 26-28, 2025.
Noren brings valuable Ryder Cup experience to the European team, having secured two crucial points from three matches during Europe’s victory in 2018 at Le Golf National in Paris. His most memorable moment came with a dramatic 40-foot putt on the 18th hole to defeat Bryson DeChambeau in the final Sunday singles match.
The 43-year-old Swede joins an experienced vice captain lineup including brothers Francesco and Edoardo Molinari, Thomas Bjørn, and José María Olazábal. Noren is the only new addition to the backroom staff, replacing Nicolas Colsaerts from the 2023 team.
Noren expressed his surprise at the appointment, stating it was “a big shock” and emphasizing his desire to bring positive energy and knowledge to the team room. His Scandinavian heritage will be particularly valuable as he can connect with players like Rasmus Højgaard (Denmark), Viktor Hovland (Norway), and Ludvig Åberg (Sweden).
Luke Donald praised Noren’s humble character and familiarity with the team, noting their practice sessions together at the Bears Club in Jupiter, Florida, where many European team members also train.
This appointment completes Europe’s backroom staff as they aim to retain the Ryder Cup on American soil for the first time since 2012. The European team will face a hostile crowd at Bethpage Black as they defend their title won at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Rome in 2023.
In a move that underscores both experience and camaraderie, Alex Norin has been tapped as the fifth and final vice captain for team Europe in this year’s highly anticipated RDER Cup. But here’s where it gets interesting. This decision isn’t just about filling a role. It’s about assembling a dream team of leadership to guide Europe through one of golf’s most intense competitions. With his appointment announced by ESPN on September 2nd, 2025, Norin joins an elite group tacered with strategizing and motivating players during the prestigious event. The writer Cup is more than just a tournament. It’s a clash of pride, skill, and teamwork. This edition will take place at Beth Page Black in New York from September 26 to 28, a venue known for its challenging layout and electric atmosphere. For those unfamiliar, imagine the pressure of playing on a course that demands precision while thousands of fans cheer or jeer every swing. That’s exactly what makes the vice captain’s roles so critical. They’re there to keep spirits high and minds sharp. Norin brings a wealth of firstirhand experience to the table. During Europe’s triumphant 2018 campaign at Legolf National near Paris, he earned two points out of three matches. a testament to his competitive edge. One moment stands out vividly, sinking a jaw-dropping 40-foot putt on the 18th hole to defeat Bryson Desambo in the Sunday singles finale. Moments like these aren’t just highlights, they’re lessons in resilience and focus that Norin can now share with the team. Joining him are four returning vice captains who have already proven their worth. Francesco Molinari, Eduardo Molinari, Thomas Bjorn, and Jose Maria Olazabo were part of Europe’s winning formula when the team triumphed at Marco Simone Golf Country Club outside Rome in 2023. These familiar faces bring continuity and trust, essential ingredients for success in such a highstakes environment. Interestingly, Nicholas Kolsarts was not retained from the previous lineup, making Norin the sole newcomer to this leadership squad. When asked about the unexpected honor, Norin admitted, “It was a big shock when I found out. I didn’t expect it at all. His humility shines through, but don’t let that fool you. His intentions are clear. I want to bring a good attitude to the team room,” he explained. “Bring some knowledge. I’ve been in this game a long time, and indeed, his years on tour give him unique insights into the mental and emotional challenges players face under pressure. One area where Norin might shine particularly bright is in connecting with Scandinavian teammates. As a suite himself, he’ll naturally bond with Victor Havland of Norway, Raasmus Highguard of Denmark, and fellow countryman Levig Alberg. These connections could foster stronger communication and cohesion within the team, a factor that often separates winners from runners up in close contests. Luke Donald, Europe’s captain, couldn’t be happier with the choice. He will do everything that he can to help the team, Donald said, praising Norin’s selflessness. He’s a humble guy. It’s never about Alex. The two share a close friendship, practicing together frequently at the Bears Club in Jupiter, Florida, alongside other members of the European roster. This shared history means Norin already knows many of the players personally, which could prove invaluable in building rapport and trust. And this is the part most people miss, the intangible value of relationships in sports. While stats and strategies dominate headlines, it’s the quiet moments between teammates and coaches that often tip the scales. Will Norin’s addition truly make the difference, or does the weight of expectations add unnecessary pressure? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Do you think this is the perfect pick, or would someone else have been a better fit? Share your opinions in the comments below.
