Luke Donald has refused to confirm whether or not he will be Team Europe’s captain for the 2027 Ryder Cup. The 47-year-old led Team Europe to a home victory at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Rome, Italy, in 2023, and made history by leading Europe to their first Ryder Cup away win in 13 years when they defeated the United States at Bethpage Black last month.
Donald Still Trying to Enjoy 2025 Ryder Cup Victory
The Englishman has been touted by many as one of Europe’s greatest Ryder Cup captains, and he says his success is down to the players and the vice-captains as well. After back-to-back victories in 2023 and 2025, many expect him to stay on for another term.
Despite his impressive achievement, Donald has remained coy on whether he will be captain for the 2027 Ryder Cup. There have been calls for him to continue as captain in 2027, and while he hasn’t ruled that out, he also hasn’t confirmed that he will be taking on the role either.
“Well, I’m trying to still enjoy this one,” Donald said. “Whether it be a captain or whether I’m not a captain … if I’m not a captain in two years’ time and the captain wants me to be there, then I’m sure I would be happy to help him in any way he wanted.”
If Donald does return, he would become the first captain in more than 30 years to lead Europe in three straight Ryder Cups. His back-to-back wins have already earned him a place among the most successful captains in Ryder Cup history.
McIlroy Tipped To Be Ryder Cup Captain
Donald was also asked if he sees Rory McIlroy as a future Ryder Cup captain, with the four-time major champion expected to still be in his prime when the tournament tees off at Adare Manor in 2027. The World No. 2 played a key role in Europe’s success at Bethpage Black as they won the Ryder Cup despite the hostility of the crowd.
“Well, just the fact that he loves the Ryder Cup more than anything,” Donald said. “He made it quite evident that winning an away Ryder Cup would really be the icing on an amazing year that he had this year. Yeah, he loves what it represents. You’ve seen the emotion from losing to winning. Anyone that has that passion for a Ryder Cup, I think, would make a good captain.”
While Donald believes that McIlroy has what it takes to captain Europe one day, it is highly unlikely that the 36-year-old will be at the helm in 2027. However, there have been suggestions that he could serve as a playing captain.
Main Photo Credit: © Peter Casey-Imagn Images
