Luke Donald didn’t exactly hold back when asked whether facing Tiger Woods as Team USA’s Ryder Cup captain in 2027 would influence his future.
But before addressing Woods, who struggled in his Ryder Cup appearances after a controversial remark, the European skipper reflected on what his side had just achieved at Bethpage Black in New York – a win that cemented his place in Ryder Cup history.
Europe’s 15–13 victory over Team USA marked their first Ryder Cup triumph on American soil since 2012, accomplished within an intensely competitive and high-stakes environment that witnessed multiple golfers, including Rory McIlroy, being subjected to verbal abuse from jeering spectators in a disgraceful display.
Donald’s squad established a dominant 11.5–4.5 advantage over the opening two days, then withstood a determined Sunday rally from Keegan Bradley’s Americans to claim the trophy. “We did what we tried to do… to be the fifth team to win away,” Donald said. “It was a special moment.”
Inevitably, inquiries shifted to his future prospects. Would he contemplate guiding Europe once more in 2027? Donald confessed it wasn’t currently on his radar, but he recognized the significance of such a choice.
“It hasn’t even crossed my mind,” he said. “I’m super humbled… If someone asks me to, I won’t rule it out, but I want to enjoy this one.”
And when Tiger Woods’ name was mentioned, Donald remained unfazed. “I don’t think so,” he said of whether Woods’ involvement would influence his decision-making process.
“I think you’re doing the capacity for what you can bring to your team. Tiger is obviously a massive name in the game. I don’t think it’s going to make the Ryder Cup any bigger with Tiger there. The Ryder Cup is massive already. I don’t think it would play into my considerations too much.”
Donald has previously expressed an understanding of why Woods chose not to take on the Team USA captaincy. Before 2025, he publicly backed Woods’ decision, saying: “It’s certainly a role that takes up a lot of time and commitment, and he obviously doesn’t feel like he can do that. I’m sure he will be a captain at some point down the road.”
Only after fielding the future-facing questions did Donald allow himself to smile about the immediate past. He described the bus ride back from Bethpage as “always fun,” but what stood out more was a tradition he introduced in 2023: gathering the entire team in a private locker room after the press conference.
“We just sat together as a team and talked about what this means,” he said. From there, the celebration continued back at the hotel, providing an opportunity for players, vice-captains, and families to unwind after an exhausting week.
Donald’s overall team record, as part of Team Europe, whether as player or captain, is now 6 wins, 0 losses – meaning he has never experienced defeat in a Ryder Cup competition. He became one of only two captains in Ryder Cup history to secure victories both home and away, matching Tony Jacklin in that achievement.
