Luke Donald has been named European Ryder Cup captain for the 2025 edition of the matchplay event on the back of his recent success at Marco Simone in Rome.
Donald led the Europeans to yet another home Ryder Cup victory, as they defeated their American rivals 16.5-11.5 thanks to a dominant display in Italy. Team Europe will head to Bethpage Black to defend their crown in September 2025, and will once again do so under the guidance of the former world No. 1.
In regaining his role Donald makes Ryder Cup history, becoming the first European to captain his continent at back-to-back events since three-time skipper Bernard Gallacher back in 1995.
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“I’m delighted and honoured to have been given the chance to lead Team Europe in the Ryder Cup once again," said Donald. "Great opportunities don’t come along very often in life and I’m a great believer that when they do, you need to grab them with both hands – this is one of these moments.
“I’ve been fortunate as a player to have had many amazing times in the Ryder Cup over the years and so to add being a winning captain to that, to form bonds with the 12 players like we did in Italy and to get the result we did, was very special indeed.
“There is no question that being a captain away from home is a tough task. But I have never shied away from challenges throughout my career and it is precisely the kind of thing that motivates me. I can’t wait to get another 12-strong team to Bethpage in 2025.”
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The week in Rome prove to be one to remember for Team Europe and Donald, as they emphatically bounced back following their record-breaking defeat at Whistling Straits two years earlier. Day one saw the hosts whitewash their U.S. rivals in the opening foursomes 4-0, a first for Europe at the Ryder Cup.
The afternoon fourballs saw a similar pattern, as Donald's team remained unbeaten to hold a commanding 6.5-1.5 lead heading into day two. The United States finally secured their first full point in the Saturday morning foursomes, but it was once again met with European dominance as they went on to win the other three.
Zach Johnson's team looked to rescue some pride in the Saturday afternoon fourballs, winning their first session of the week, but heading into the final day they still found themselves five points behind. The all-important Sunday singles then came, and despite some nerves, the Europeans cemented their seventh-straight home Ryder Cup win.
Of course the man orchestrating Europe's success was captain Donald, and this has earned the Englishman a rare second chance to lead his continent to New York in two years' time. The decision may not come as a surprise to many, after Donald's own players called on him to stay on for Bethpage.
Whilst conducting his winning speech at Marco Simone last month, his players were heard shouting 'two more years!', pledging their backing behind the former world No. 1. Of course, Donald has now committed to attempting to add to the legacy, but faces a tough task in New York with the away team having only won one of the last eight Ryder Cups.
There is confidence within the European ranks though, with Donald's star man Rory McIlroy aiming to regain the Ryder Cup in 2025. “I think one of the biggest accomplishments in golf right now is winning an away Ryder Cup,” he said in Rome. “And that's what we're going to do at Bethpage.”