Luke Donald has been named as the European Captain for the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in Ireland.
The biennial contest will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year and Donald will have the chance to mark the occasion with his own piece of history as he attempts to become the first captain to lead a Ryder Cup team to three consecutive victories.
The 48-year-old Englishman previously captained Europe to a 16½ – 11½ victory at Marco Simone, Rome in 2023, and a 15-13 win at Bethpage in New York last September.
Donald said: “The last two Ryder Cups have meant a lot to me and my family. I didn’t imagine this third time would come. Celebrating on that Sunday night in New York after a pressure packed week in a tough environment, I thought maybe my job was done. But maybe there is a little more story to tell.
“This Ryder Cup Captaincy journey has given me so much focus, so much purpose and it is something I don’t take for granted. It’s a real privilege and I am certainly looking forward to another home Ryder Cup.
“History is obviously important to me. As a team, as Ryder Cup Europe, we all play for history. We talk about it a lot, about the guys who paved the way for us and the responsibility we have to inspire next generations. But I don’t think I have ever thought about history through a personal lens. I just try to enjoy the journey and the day-to-day work to create an environment that gives the players the opportunity for success. That is what I focus on.”
Donald was a player in the 2006 Ryder Cup in Ireland, so he knows exactly what to expect from the atmosphere when the Ryder Cup returns to the country from September 13-19, 2027.
“The Irish golf fans are some of the best in the world. They are so passionate about the game, so hospitable and so down to earth. They will bring such a great energy to the Ryder Cup. I am sure they will get behind our players and cheers us on. That’s what you want from a crowd – to pick you up in those low moments and keep you going when things are going well. That will be a big factor. It’s obviously one of the advantages of playing at home and there is no better place to do it than in Ireland.
“Adare Manor is such a special place, such a beautiful place. JP McManus and his team have done an amazing job creating a world class venue and hotel. Hosting a Ryder Cup will be very special to them and they are going to make sure it is going to be one of the greatest Ryder Cups in the history of our beautiful trophy.”
Guy Kinnings, Chief Executive of the European Tour Group, said: “Luke was an outstanding captain in Rome and New York, leading the team to victory both times, and it is fantastic he is coming back to do it a third time.
“Those victories were remarkable, but almost even more impressive was how he led the team and how he conducted himself. He has faced a lot of challenges as Captain throughout his two terms, and he has handled all of them with his usual calm, poise and authority and above all with respect.
“He is meticulous in everything he does when it comes to planning and preparation, but Luke would be the first to acknowledge that as good as job as he has done, this is a new challenge for him and the team. He will be as motivated and as committed as ever to help them achieve more success.”
