Luke Donald has been named European Captain for the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in Ireland.
The biannual tournament will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year and Donald will have the opportunity to mark the occasion with his own history as he tries to become the first captain to lead a Ryder Cup team to three consecutive victories.
The 48-year-old Englishman previously dominated Europe with 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 think this third time would come. Celebrating that Sunday night in New York after a week full of stress in a difficult place, I thought maybe my career was over. But maybe there is a little story to tell.
“This Ryder Cup captain’s tour has given me a lot of focus, a lot of purpose and it’s something I don’t take for granted. It’s a real blessing and I’m looking forward to another home Ryder Cup.
“History is obviously important to me. As a team, as a 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 future generations. But I don’t think I’ve ever thought about history through a personal lens. I just try to enjoy the journey and the daily work to create an environment where I focus on the players the opportunity for success.
Donald was a 2006 Ryder Cup player in Ireland, so he knows exactly what to expect in the air when the Ryder Cup returns to the country from September 13-19, 2027.
“Irish golf fans are some of the best in the world. They love the game, they’re very hospitable and down to earth. They’ll bring a lot of energy to the Ryder Cup. I’m sure they’ll be behind our players and cheer us on. That’s what you want from a crowd – to pick up on those low moments and carry on when things go well. That’s going to be a big advantage playing at home. That’s going to be a big advantage playing at home. There’s no better place to do it than Ireland.
“Adare Manor is a very special place, a beautiful place. JP McManus and his team have done an amazing job of building a world-class venue and hotel. Hosting the Ryder Cup will be very special for them and they will ensure that it will be one of the biggest Ryder Cups in the history of our beautiful cup.”
Guy Kinnings, Chief Executive of the European Tour Group, said: “Luka was an outstanding captain in Rome and New York, leading the team to two victories, and it’s great that he’s coming back for a third.”
“That victory was amazing, but what was almost more impressive was the way he led the team and the way he carried himself. He faced many challenges as Captain in all his two terms, and he handled them all with calmness, poise and authority and above all with respect.
“He is meticulous in everything he does when it comes to planning and preparation, but Luka will be the first to admit that as he has done a good job, this is a new challenge for him and the team. He will be motivated and committed as ever to help them achieve more success.”
