Luke Donald’s Full Speech | Opening Ceremony | 2025 Ryder Cup

Watch Luke Donald’s full Opening Ceremony speech ahead of the 2025 Ryder Cup.

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The 2025 Ryder Cup is the 45th edition and runs between September 25 – September 28. Luke Donald is the European Team Captain and Keegan Bradley is the U.S. Team Captain. The European Team are the reigning champion after winning 16 ½ – 11 ½ at Marco Simone in 2023. Every two years, 24 of the best players from Europe and the United States go head-to-head in match play competition. Drama, tension, incredible golf, camaraderie and sportsmanship are served in equal measure, captivating an audience of millions around the world. It’s an event that transcends sport, yet remains true to the spirit of its founder, Samuel Ryder.

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Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, and to all golf fans around the world, it is truly an honor to stand here today as captain of the European Rder Cup team. To lead these 12 men once again, 12 of Europe’s finest continues to be one of the greatest privileges of my life. We [Applause] we come to you this week not just as individual players from nine different nations, but as one team. A team defined by history, by unity, and by a belief that we are playing for something far greater than ourselves. The RDER Cup means so much to each and every one of us. It is unlike anything else in our sport. It is not about prize money or world ranking points. It’s about pride. It’s about representing your flag, your shirt, and the legacy you leave behind. We play for our families, our teammates, our countries, our continent, and for the generations before us who made this event what it is today. The American team is rightly proud of their heritage. But so are we. Our European legacy is rooted in resilience, in togetherness, and improving people wrong. Time and again, we’ve shown that when we come together as one with a shared purpose, we can achieve remarkable things. And what a place to try and do it again. New York City. New York is a place where if you show up with talent and a fighting spirit, the city will get behind you. Although maybe not if you’re wearing European blue this week. [Applause] We know what awaits us. Beth Paige isn’t exactly shy. This is New York sports country. Passionate, lo, loyal, and ferociously loud. And rightly so. You, the fans here, respect effort over ego. You show up for those who grind, for those who fight, and for those who rise to the big occasions. And you make us earn every cheer. We may not be your team, but we will give you something to respect, something to admire, and maybe by the end of this week, something to cheer for. [Applause] Beth Paige Beth Paige is the perfect venue for this contest. A public golf course, a state park where thousands of fans will gather shoulder-to-shoulder. It’s a course for the people and a stage where players on both sides will try to prove they belong. Make no mistake, our players are ready. Every one of them has earned their spot not through entitlement but through excellence. They face pressure and risen to the moment. And this week they will carry the hopes of an entire continent. Two years ago we wrote a chapter in Rome. This week in New York we aim to write history. We didn’t come here just to be a part of the show. We came here to earn our place in Ryder Cup folklore. We’re not just playing to win. We’re playing for each other. And for every young golfer back home who dreams about one day representing team Europe. We know it won’t be easy. Winning away never is. Only four European teams have done it before. But that’s the beauty of sport. The toughest roads lead to the greatest rewards. We are fueled by something money cannot buy. Purpose, brotherhood, and a responsibility to honor those who came before us while inspiring those whose time is yet to come. Before I introduce the 12 men who I believe will do that, I would like to say a few thank yous to Governor of State New York, Kathy Hokll, Hope Knight, the CEO of Empire State Development, and Tom Dapoli, state controller. Thank you for your incredible hospitality. Also, thank you to Don Ray, Derek Sprag, and everyone at the PG of America for hosting us this week. To Keegan, Jillian, and your two boys, Logan, and Cooper. Dian and I have really valued our friendship over the years. And we know that bond will last well beyond this week, no matter the outcome. It’s been a pleasure to share this RDER Cup captaincy with you. Thank you for your friendship and all the memories along the way. To the 12 players of Team USA, your talent and passion are never in doubt. We know you’ll bring your best. We promise to do the same. I also want to take a moment to thank the people behind the scenes who walk every step with us. Our cadis the ones who feel every shot, share every pressure moment, and bring clarity when the chaos sets in. You are essential to our success. And to our incredible backroom team staff, your tireless work day in and day out is what makes this team run. We’re all stronger because of you. To the wise partners and families of our players, thank you. Your support, patience, and sacrifice allow these men to compete at the highest level. We know the RDER Cup isn’t just a big week for the players, it’s a big week for you, too. And of course, to my very own family, to my wife Diane, my girls Gigi, Sophia, and Ellie, thank you for always standing by my side. Your love and support mean everything to me and I love you guys so much. I would like to introduce my five vice captains now who play such an important part in everything we do. So first please stand up from Denmark, Thomas Bjorn. From Italy, the Eduardo the Molinari brothers, Eduardo and Francesco. from Sweden, Alex Norin. And finally from Spain, Joseé Maria Alapabal. And now, let me introduce to you these 12 men I’m so proud to lead this week. from Sweden. Ludvig Oberg from England. Matt Fitzpatrick from England. Tommy Fleetwood also from England. Tier Hatton from Denmark. Raasmus Huygard from Norway. Victor Havlin. from Ireland, Shane Lowry. And from Scotland, Robert McIntyre from Northern Ireland, Rory Moy, and from Spain, John Rahm. Rose and finally from Austria, Seb Straer. These 12 men are ready. Europe is ready. Enjoy the RDER Cup and we’ll see you bright and early on Friday morning. To watch another RDER Cup video, click here and subscribe here.