LONDON — Alex Noren (http://www.espn.com/golf/player/_/id/3832/alex-noren) was named as Luke Donald (http://www.espn.com/golf/player/_/id/601/luke-donald) ‘s fifth and final vice captain for Europe’s team (https://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/46127792/donald-fills-europe-ryder-cup-team-familiar-names) at the upcoming Ryder Cup on Tuesday.
Noren secured two points from three matches during Europe’s victory in 2018 at Le Golf National outside Paris. That performance included a 40-foot putt on the 18th hole to defeat Bryson DeChambeau (http://www.espn.com/golf/player/_/id/10046/bryson-dechambeau) in the final Sunday singles match.
This year’s Ryder Cup will be contested at Bethpage Black in New York from Sept. 26 to Sept. 28.
The other four vice captains were already named (http://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/45737441/francesco-molinari-back-vice-capt-ryder-cup-team-europe) and were also in place when Europe won at Marco Simone outside Rome in 2023: brothers Francesco (http://www.espn.com/golf/player/_/id/1483/francesco-molinari) and Edoardo Molinari (http://www.espn.com/golf/player/_/id/1527/edoardo-molinari) , Thomas Bjørn (http://www.espn.com/golf/player/_/id/37/thomas-bj%C3%B8rn) and José María Olazábal (http://www.espn.com/golf/player/_/id/329/jose-maria-olazabal) .
Noren is the only new vice captain, while Nicolas Colsaerts (http://www.espn.com/golf/player/_/id/1283/nicolas-colsaerts) was the only vice captain not retained from two years ago.
“It was a big shock when I found out. I didn’t expect it at all,” Noren said. “I want to bring a good attitude to the team room. Bring some knowledge. I’ve been in this game a long time.” A Swede, Noren will have a connection with the Scandinavian players on the team: Rasmus Højgaard (http://www.espn.com/golf/player/_/id/11253/rasmus-h%C3%B8jgaard) of Denmark, Viktor Hovland (https://www.espn.com/golf/player/_/id/436487/viktor-hovland) of Norway and Ludvig Åberg (http://www.espn.com/golf/player/_/id/437597/ludvig-aberg) of Sweden.
“He will do everything that he can to help the team. He’s a humble guy, it’s never about Alex,” Donald said. “He is a good friend of mine. We practice together at the Bears Club (in Jupiter, Florida) where other players who are going to be on that team also practice. So he has a great familiarity with a lot of the guys and I think that’s really useful.”
In a highly anticipated announcement that has stirred excitement among golf fans, Alex Norin has been appointed as the fifth vice captain for the European team at the upcoming Rder Cup. This decision made by captain Luke Donald was revealed on Tuesday, adding a fresh face to the leadership roster as the team prepares to compete from September 26 to 28 at the renowned Beth Page Black in New York. Norin, who made a significant contribution during the 2018 RDER Cup with two points from three matches, is remembered for an unforgettable moment when he drained a remarkable 40ft putt on the 18th hole to clinch victory against Bryson Dashambo in the final singles match. Such performances underscore the kind of pressure cooking experience that the team hopes will benefit the players this time around. This year, Norin joins four other distinguished vice captains who were integral to Europe’s triumph at Marco Simony in Rome in 2023. Those joining him in this role are the Molinari brothers, Francesco and Eduardo alongside Thomas Bjorn and Joseé Maria Olazabo. Interestingly, Norin stands out as the sole new member within this vice captaincy team as Nicholas Kolsarts was not retained from the previous squad. When Norin learned of his selection, he expressed genuine surprise, stating, “It was a big shock when I found out. I didn’t expect it at all. I want to bring a good attitude to the team room. Bring some knowledge. I’ve been in this game a long time. His extensive experience in the sport will undeniably serve as an asset to the team, especially in nurturing a positive environment. Representing Sweden, Norin will also share a unique bond with fellow Scandinavian players on the team, including Denmark’s Rasmus Hygard, Norway’s Victor Havland, and Sweden’s own Ludvig Aubberg. This cultural connection might foster camaraderie on and off the course. contributing to a unified team spirit. Donald spoke highly of Norin, emphasizing his humility and dedication. He will do everything that he can to help the team. He’s a humble guy. It’s never about Alex. He is a good friend of mine. We practice together at the Bears Club in Jupiter, Florida, where other players who are going to be on that team also practice. So, he has a great familiarity with a lot of the guys, and I think that’s really useful. This development raises interesting questions about the dynamics of teen selection. Are new voices and perspectives essential for success? Or does relying on familiar leaders yield better outcomes? What do you think about the inclusion of new members in such high stakes events? Share your thoughts below.
