Paul McGinley has revealed when Luke Donald will make up his mind over the 2027 Ryder Cup captaincy.
Donald led Europe to a remarkable 15-13 away win over the United States at Bethpage Black in September.
Inspired by Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood, Europe enjoyed a magical two days before limping over the line in the Sunday singles.
The victory saw Donald become only the second European captain – after Tony Jacklin in 1995 and 1987 – to win back-to-back Ryder Cups.
It was widely assumed that Donald would step aside whatever the result in New York and stick to Ryder Cup Europe’s new plan of having a captain in place for a home and an away match.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
But he is yet to rule out a third term.
Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry at the 2025 Ryder Cup
Justin Rose was the favourite to take the reins for the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in Ireland, but he distanced himself from the role as he wants to make his eighth appearance in the contest as a player.
Rose is now arguably playing the best golf of his career at the age of 45.
Should Donald say “no”, then Italy’s Francesco Molinari is expected to get the nod.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
There are plenty of candidates elsewhere, such as Graeme McDowell, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood – but their ties to LIV Golf mean it is likely their Ryder Cup days are over.
McGinley told the Irish Independent he spoke to Donald last week and the former world number one is still undecided.
“He’s going to take Christmas and make a decision early in the New Year,” he told the paper.
“We really need to appoint somebody by February or March next year.
“And there’s no doubt that if he goes for three in a row, that will be an even better achievement.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
“But it’s going to be very, very difficult to try to win three in a row.
“I think Adare Manor will suit the Americans with the style of golf that they play. They like it down there.”
The 2025 Ryder Cup was overshadowed by what transpired outside the gallery ropes.
McIlroy and his teammates were subjected to a barrage of verbal abuse.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Justin Thomas recently said he still feels terrible over what happened and claimed the PGA of America were not fully prepared.
McGinley doesn’t believe European fans will behave in the same way in two years’ time.
“I think the crowd will behave well, which will help the American team,” he said. “And we’ve got to correct a little bit of complacency that we had on the Sunday at Bethpage.
“Trying to win again for a third time is not easy for a team going in with expectations on your shoulders.
“Going back to Rory McIlroy (and dealing with expectations in majors), one of the hardest things to do in golf is to have so much expectation and then still deliver in such a difficult game.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
“So we have a lot of challenges going into Adare. It’s not a home run that we’re going to win by any stretch of imagination.”
Next European Ryder Cup captain odds
Luke Donald
Justin Rose
4/1
Francesco Molinari
6/1
Edoardo Molinari
6/1
Nicolas Colsaerts
9/1
Padraig Harrington
10/1
Thomas Bjørn
11/1
Subscribe to our Newsletter
