From veteran stars to data-driven strategists, there is no shortage for the next European Ryder Cup captain. We assess the pros, cons, and likelihood of each taking the helm.
With the dust settled on Bethpage, one question is already on everyone’s lips: who will be the next European Ryder Cup captain?
Luke Donald has been called the best captain of all time by many, but will he stay on, or is it time for a new face to take the reins? Let’s take a closer look at the candidates most likely to wear the European blazer at Adare Manor in 2027 – and beyond.
Who will be the next European Ryder Cup captain?
Let’s start with…
Luke Donald
Donald is the incumbent and, should he choose to continue, would be the first man since Bernard Gallacher to captain in three consecutive Ryder Cups. He hasn’t publicly stated that he wants to take on another term, but the allure of making history by becoming the first European captain to win three Ryder Cups in a row might be too much to resist.
Donald was a force to be reckoned with as a Ryder Cup player and has shown an extraordinary attention to detail as captain, from studying player psychology to mastering match strategy.
Time will tell if he’s ready to extend his Ryder Cup legacy or would prefer to bow out without any risk of tarnishing it.
Justin Rose
For many, Justin Rose feels like the heir apparent. With seven Ryder Cup appearances and one of the best records in the event’s history, his credentials are hard to ignore. Legends like Sir Nick Faldo, Ian Woosnam, Sam Torrance, and Sandy Lyle have all backed him as a future captain.
Rose didn’t hide his enthusiasm about the prospect:
“It’s a huge honour, isn’t it? I don’t want to speak too soon but it’s something I’d like to do. If the players felt like that’s something they would be up for, then absolutely. I would love and take it seriously, giving everything to it.”
The only problem? Given Rose’s play at the 2025 Ryder Cup, it’s surely too early to write him off as a player – and Europe don’t want to give themselves a Keegan Bradley issue by naming Rose as captain and then him playing himself into contention.
A more sensible plan would be keeping Rose free for 2027 to see whether he is needed as a player and, if not, he can be a vice-captain, gaining key experience before taking the big seat in 2029 or 2031.
Ian Poulter
Once a lock to be a future Ryder Cup captain, Europe’s talismanic ‘Postman’ seemed to have sacrificed his shot by joining LIV Golf. Relations have softened since then, though, with LIV players featuring in both teams at the 2025 Ryder Cup.
“I didn’t give anything up by joining LIV,” he insists. “Some LIV golfers are allowed to play in the Ryder Cup. Time will tell if we get accepted into the Ryder Cup family again like Tyrrell Hatton and Jon Rahm.”
As for the captaincy? “I’d love to one day,” he said.
No one could question Poulter’s passion for the Ryder Cup, and with a good team of vice captains behind him, he could be a strong option.
Francesco Molinari
The younger Molinari is a Ryder Cup hero, particularly remembered for his five-point haul at Le Golf National in 2018. He has also served as a vice-captain under Donald in 2023 and 2025, learning the intricacies of managing a team from the sidelines.
“Being a vice-captain has taught me just how much work goes into the role,” he said. “You realise it’s not just about motivation – it’s about strategy, understanding the players, and handling pressure. I’ve learned so much from Luke, and I feel I could take those lessons forward if given the chance.”
His combination of success as a player, experience as a vice-captain, and calm demeanor make him a strong candidate – and he’s got the backing of two current players.
That said, some insiders wonder if his naturally gentle, diplomatic style might be a limitation in rousing the team during tense Ryder Cup moments. Molinari is respected and liked by everyone, but could Mr Nice Guy deliver the fiery, motivational speeches a Ryder Cup team sometimes needs to swing momentum? It’s a question that could weigh on selectors’ minds when considering him for the top job.
Edoardo Molinari
Edoardo is highly respected for his statistical insight and has been a key member of Luke Donald’s backroom team. Donald himself has noted that he leans on Edoardo more than any other vice-captain for strategic advice.
Edoardo played at Celtic Manor in 2010 and was a vice-captain under Donald in 2023 and 2025. While he didn’t reach the same heights as a player as some of the other candidates, his analytical approach and ability to communicate data effectively make him a potential dark horse for the top job. In today’s Ryder Cup, where marginal gains can decide matches, that expertise could be invaluable.
The only problem is? He doesn’t think he’s up to the job…
Alex Noren
The Swede made his only Ryder Cup appearance in 2018, where he contributed to Europe’s victory at Le Golf National with a 2-1-0 record, including victory in the final singles match against Bryson DeChambeau.
While his playing record is limited, Noren served as a vice-captain in 2025 and is respected for his calm, steady approach and mentorship of younger players. His tactical awareness and popularity in the locker room make him a solid candidate, though he lacks the extended Ryder Cup pedigree of others.
Sergio Garcia
No one can match Sergio Garcia for Ryder Cup points. Over his 10 appearances, he has amassed a record of 25 wins, 13 losses, and 7 halved matches, totaling 28.5 points, making him the all-time leading points scorer in Ryder Cup history.
Garcia’s fiery temperament should make for an inspirational leader, though there are question marks over his ability to stay calm under pressure. Selectors may prefer he gain vice-captain experience before taking the top job. That said, if Europe want charisma and inspiration in one package, Garcia could be an instant fan favorite.
Thomas Bjorn
The Dane captained Europe to victory in 2018 and has been a vice-captain multiple times. While he brings unmatched experience and a proven record of leadership, most observers feel the team may now look to a younger generation. Bjorn could step in again if needed, but he’s less likely to be Europe’s choice for a fresh era.
Paul McGinley
The 2014 Gleneagles captain led Europe to a memorable victory, earning plaudits for his calm, thoughtful leadership. Known for building strong relationships with his players and nurturing young talent, McGinley remains a respected figure in European golf. However, with limited recent Ryder Cup involvement, selectors might favor someone with closer ties to the current crop of players.
Padraig Harrington
Harrington captained Europe in the 2021 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits, where the team suffered a heavy defeat. Despite the loss, Harrington’s leadership was widely respected, and he has since been inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. While he brings a wealth of experience and a proven record of leadership, most observers feel the team may now look to a younger generation. Harrington could step in again if needed, but he’s less likely to be Europe’s choice for a fresh era.
Harrington is a three-time major champion and Ryder Cup stalwart with six appearances as a player. Known for his fiery competitiveness and affable nature, Harrington would be popular among Irish fans at Adare Manor.
TG verdict
If Luke Donald steps aside, the frontrunners appear to be Justin Rose or one of the Molinari brothers. Rose brings star power, a winning mentality, and a record no one can question, though it may be too soon to write him off as a player.
Francesco Molinari combines Ryder Cup heroics with vice-captain experience and is universally respected by his peers. However, his naturally calm and diplomatic style has led some insiders to question whether he could deliver the fiery, motivational speeches Europe sometimes needs to swing momentum in tight matches. In other words, he’s very much a “nice guy” – which could be a strength for team harmony but a potential limitation in high-pressure situations.
Edoardo Molinari offers a modern, data-driven approach, providing insight and analytical strategy that could give Europe an edge in tight contests. While perhaps less of a “big personality” compared to Rose or Sergio García, his cerebral approach and popularity with players make him a compelling dark horse.
The other candidates – Poulter, Noren, García, Bjorn, McGinley, and Harrington – each bring unique strengths, but timing, recent involvement, and player respect will ultimately determine who steps up. Whoever takes the helm will inherit one of golf’s most intense, thrilling, and scrutinized leadership roles, where strategy, inspiration, and personality all have to align perfectly.
And, when all is said and done, it’ll probably be Luke Donald again.
When will the next Ryder Cup captains be announced?
There’s no set date when captains will be announced. If Luke Donald is to keep the job, the announcement will like be very soon.
If it’s anyone else, they probably won’t be announced until early 2026 as Ryder Cup Europe like to give their next captain as much time as possible.
For context, the last five captains have all had at least 20 months from being announced to the Ryder Cup: Padraig Harrington was announced in January 2019 for Whistling Straits in 2020, which was then postponed for a year; Thomas Bjorn was announced in December 2016 for Le Golf National 2018; Darren Clarke was announced in February 2015 for Hazeltine in 2016; Paul McGinley was announced in January 2013 for Gleneagles in 2014; and Jose Maria Olazabal was announced in January 2011 for Medinah in 2012.
