Luke Donald remains coy about whether he will captain the Team Europe Ryder Cup team again at Adare Manor in 2027. No one, American or European, has captained a team three consecutive times since the turn of the century.
Bernard Gallacher was the last to lead Europe in 1991, 1993 and 1995. Gallacher took over from Tony Jacklin, who captained the team at four straight editions from 1983 to 1989. Donald joined Jacklin to double the number of European captains who have won the Ryder Cup at home and away. The latter, as Donald could, reclaimed the trophy at home before being victorious in the US and then returning home.
Jacklin lost his first in charge overseas and tied his last – but Europe retained – at The Belfry in 1989. So there is some precedent for success over an extended period.
Donald, however, has yet to make any immediate decisions about continuing as captain. “I don’t think my heart can take two more years,” he said in response to chants from the Team Europe camp and European fans of: “Two more years!”
However, he did clarify that “we’ll see” after being asked if his previous remark was a “no” to the demand. “We’ll see,” the host of Sunday’s trophy ceremony repeated, before adding: “OK, you heard it hear first!”
Donald was also asked again at the post-session press conference and replied: “My answer is I’m going to enjoy tonight.”
Shane Lowry also asked his captain, “Let’s do it again in Ireland,” but Donald responded, “No comment.”
Jon Rahm also shared a similar sentiment. “Luke has set the bar for captaincy so extremely high,” the Spaniard 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, and 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.”
