European captain Luke Donald led his side to a seventh straight win in the Ryder Cup, but has yet to make a firm decision on whether he will be back in 2027 amid Tiger Woods’ captaincySahil Kurup, Neil McLeman Sports Writer and Michael D. Carroll
03:26 ET, 30 Sep 2025
Luke Donald has led Team Europe to two consecutive victories in 2023 and 2025(Image: Getty)
Luke Donald certainly didn’t mince words when questioned about whether confronting Tiger Woods as the USA Ryder Cup captain in 2027 might shape his decisions moving forward.
However, before discussing Woods, who faltered during his Ryder Cup outings following a contentious statement, the European leader pondered what his squad had just accomplished at Bethpage Black – a triumph that solidified his legacy in Ryder Cup lore.
Europe’s 15–13 victory against Team USA marked their first Ryder Cup success on American soil since 2012, accomplished within an intensely competitive and pressure-filled environment, which witnessed multiple golfers including Rory McIlroy being subjected to verbal harassment from jeering spectators in a disgraceful display. The emerges as Trump responds to European Ryder Cup Team’s victory taunts with four-words.
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Donald’s squad established a dominant 11.5–4.5 advantage over the opening two days, then weathered a determined Sunday rally from Keegan Bradley’s Americans to claim the trophy.
Luke Donald played with Tiger Woods at The Masters in the opening rounds of the 2013 Masters(Image: Getty)
“We did what we tried to do … to be the fifth team to win away,” Donald stated. “It was a special moment.”, reports the Mirror US.
Inevitably, inquiries shifted toward his future plans. Would he contemplate guiding Europe once more in 2027?
Donald confessed it hadn’t occupied his thoughts but recognized the significance of such a choice.
“It hasn’t even crossed my mind,” he remarked. “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 surfaced, Donald remained unfazed. “I don’t think so,” he responded regarding whether Woods’ involvement would influence his considerations.
“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 voiced his support for Woods’ choice to decline the U.S. captaincy role. Prior to 2025, he openly endorsed Woods’ decision, stating, “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 addressing the forward-looking inquiries did Donald permit himself to reflect on the recent triumph. He characterized the bus journey back from Bethpage as “always fun,” but what resonated more deeply was a custom he established in 2023: assembling the complete squad in a private locker room following the media briefing.
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“We just sat together as a team and talked about what this means,” he said. From that point, the celebration carried on at the hotel, providing an opportunity for players, vice-captains, and families to unwind after an exhausting week.
Donald’s complete team record, as a member of Team Europe, whether as player, vice-captain, or captain, now stands at 4 wins, 0 losses – indicating he has never experienced defeat in a Ryder Cup competition.
He joined an exclusive group of just two captains in Ryder Cup history to secure victories both home and away, equaling Tony Jacklin in that achievement.
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