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Luke Donald would ‘consider’ remaining Europe captain for 2025 Ryder Cup

Posted on by angelo
Luke Donald would ‘consider’ remaining Europe captain for 2025 Ryder Cup


Luke Donald would “consider” retaining the post of European captain of the Ryder Cup for the next edition, in two years.

A four-time Ryder Cup winner as a player, the 45-year-old received rave reviews for his leadership in Rome as Europe regained the trophy with a 16.5-11.5 victory.

Rory McIlroy has led the calls for Donald to captain the team again at Bethpage Black in New York and it’s certainly not something he’s ruled out.

Donald told Sky Sports News: “Obviously I appreciate that from the players. We had a great week together. It’s a long process, it’s not an easy task.

“I definitely haven’t really thought about it yet. This is something I should sit down and think about. Of course I would think about it. I’m trying to enjoy this moment right now, enjoy this victory, and then we’ll see what happens in the future.

Donald has a perfect record as a Ryder Cup player and captain and he knows that would be very much on the line if he captains the team again in 2025.

“Maybe I leave a legacy as a Ryder Cup-winning captain and I don’t risk that,” he said.

“Obviously, going down there to New York, which would be a real cauldron, these fans are extremely passionate. It would be a really, really difficult environment. If I were to do this job and go out there and win, that would be an accomplishment.

There were joyous scenes of European celebration at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club, on the team bus and at the hotel.

“We celebrated as we should have,” Donald added. “It was a fun night, celebrating with teammates, with fans, with family and memories that will stay with us forever.

“It’s still sinking in. It’s been a long process, it’s a long journey, I’m so happy it ended like this. It’s just been an incredible week to share with my teammates, the staff and the families, everyone.

After an emotional defeat in the United States two years ago, in which he earned just a point, McIlroy was delighted to have collected the trophy.

“The score – 19-9, it hurt, it really hurt. I didn’t feel like I gave my best and I didn’t feel like I did my part for the team,” said McIlroy, who led the European charge this times with four points in five matches.

“It wasn’t about revenge. It was about redemption and showing what we could do.

The Northern Irishman now wants to build on his triumph and win in the United States in 2025.

“I think one of the greatest achievements in golf right now is winning a Ryder Cup away from home – and that’s what we’re going to do at Bethpage,” he added.

Rory McIlroy was delighted to taste victory again (Zac Goodwin/PA)

The defeat extended the U.S. streak without a win on European soil beyond 30 years – it will be 34 by the time they return to Adare Manor in 2027 – and captain Zach Johnson took full responsibility.

“I would love to start the week again but that’s not possible,” he said.

“You know, regret is a strong word, but I wish I had done a better job.

“I don’t know what that looks like – I’ll never know – but it’s not a matter of anything other than Team Europe scoring more points.

“I’m proud of my guys, they fought. It’s not them, it’s my fault. Maybe these are bad decisions, something to think about. I don’t know yet.