Luke Donald will make history at Bethpage in two years' time when he captains Team Europe in a successive Ryder Cup.
Donald will become the first European captain since Bernard Gallacher three decades ago to fulfil the role in two consecutive events. The Englishman is popular among Europeans after leading them to a 16.5-11.5 victory in Rome in October to reclaim the Ryder Cup.
Rory McIlroy, who is arguably Europe's leading golfer, urged Donald to stay on after October's tournament at Marco Simone. The skipper's decision is also likely to please Jon Rahm, who is thought to be in talks with a sensational £475million switch to LIV Golf.
Team Europe will be desperate to keep hold of Masters champion Rahm, who could be ineligible for the next Ryder Cup if he joins LIV Golf. European fans will be confident of Donald persuading Rahm to stay after the skipper had the Spaniard's back in Rome.
Rahm was embroiled in a row with Team USA's Brooks Koepka during October's Ryder Cup, with the latter calling the former a "child". Koepka was the only LIV Golf star to play at the Ryder Cup after being selected as a wildcard by captain Zach Johnson.
The argument erupted after the first day of this year's event, which saw Team Europe establish a huge 6.5-1.5 lead. Koepka ranted: "I want to hit a board and pout just like Jon Rahm did. But, you know, it is what it is. Act like a child. But we’re adults. We move on."
Donald was asked about Koepka's comments. "I didn't see any of that (childish behaviour)," he said. The European skipper the praised Rahm for supporting partner Nicolai Hojgaard before adding: "Jon's a passionate person, but I couldn't imagine him any other way."
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Donald's superb leadership is exactly why he's stay on as captain - and he'll be hoping to call on Rahm's passion at Bethpage. "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.
"The Ryder Cup means so much to me, so to be captain again and have the chance to create more history by becoming only the second European captain to win back-to-back is exciting (after Tony Jacklin in 1985 and 1987).
"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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