Golf Mar 17, 2026

Ryder Cup 2027: Luke Donald named Team Europe's captain for Adare Manor and chases historic three-peat over Team USA

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
Ryder Cup 2027: Luke Donald named Team Europe's captain for Adare Manor and chases historic three-peat over Team USA

Luke Donald will captain Team Europe for a third consecutive Ryder Cup after being named in the role again for the 2027 contest at Adare Manor in Ireland.

Donald has guided Team Europe to back-to-back victories over the United States, leading them to a 16.5-11.5 win in Rome in 2023 - avenging a record-breaking loss two years earlier - before successfully retaining the trophy in New York last September.

Team Europe built a record-breaking lead over Team USA over the first two days at Bethpage Black before closing out a 15-13 victory, seeing Donald join Tony Jacklin as the only European captains to win successive Ryder Cups.

The former world No 1 was described as the 'best European captain of all time' after their famous win on American soil, with the former world No 1 now confirmed to become the first since Bernard Gallacher to captain Europe in three consecutive Ryder Cups.

Donald will look to defend the trophy once again on home soil, live next September on Your Site, where he aims to complete a historic three-peat and become the first European to win three Ryder Cups as a captain.

"The last two Ryder Cups have meant a lot to me and my family," Donald said. "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."

Donald has never been on a losing team in the Ryder Cup as a player or a captain, appearing in four victorious sides as a player before masterminding the back-to-back wins over the United States as a captain.

The Englishman was part of winning teams as a player in 2004, 2006, 2010 and 2012, with Donald also serving as a vice-captain to Thomas Bjorn in the 2018 success in Paris and Padraig Harrington in the heavy 2021 loss at Whistling Straits.

Donald was initially a replacement captain for the 2023 edition, following Henrik Stenson being stripped from the role for joining LIV Golf, although has since cemented his status as one of Europe's Ryder Cup greats.

He was met with a chant of "two more years" from his players after the Rome victory, which he responded to by taking on the role again for the 2025 edition, with a similar message directed his way after last year's title defence.

He held discussions with DP World Tour chief executive Guy Kinnings in January and has been locked in as captain again for the centenary edition at Limerick's Adare Manor, taking place from September 17-19 next year.

"History is obviously important to me," Donald added. "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.

"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 had previously refused to rule out a third stint in the role immediately after ending home dominance in the biennial contest, with victory at Bethpage Black the first away win - from either team - since the 2012 'Miracle at Medinah'.

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."

The PGA of America are yet to announce who will captain Team USA for the 2027 contest, with Tiger Woods the favourite to succeed Keegan Bradley after turning down the opportunity last time around.

Watch the next two Ryder Cups, including the 2027 edition at Adare Manor in Ireland, exclusively live on Your Site. .

Tags:

golf news

Share this article

Related Posts

LIV Golf League: Jon Rahm ends 18-month winless drought in Hong Kong and explains support to players stuck in Middle East during conflict

LIV Golf League: Jon Rahm ends 18-month winless drought in Hong Kong and explains support to players stuck in Middle East during conflict

Jon Rahm ended an 18-month worldwide winless run by claiming an impressive three-shot victory at the LIV Golf League event in Hong Kong. Rahm had open...

The Players: Why Rory McIlroy's poor title defence leaves questions over PGA Tour form and schedule ahead of The Masters

The Players: Why Rory McIlroy's poor title defence leaves questions over PGA Tour form and schedule ahead of The Masters

Paul McGinley looks back at a disappointing title defence for Rory McIlroy at The Players and reflects on the work - on and off the course - he may ne...

The Players: Ludvig Ã…berg takes three-shot lead into final round at TPC Sawgrass as Rory McIlroy falls further behind

The Players: Ludvig Ã…berg takes three-shot lead into final round at TPC Sawgrass as Rory McIlroy falls further behind

Ludvig Ã…berg takes a commanding three-stroke lead into the final round of The Players, as Cam Young and Matt Fitzpatrick were left to rue expensive fi...

The Players: Rory McIlroy experiences cold putter during uneventful third round as Scottie Scheffler impresses at TPC Sawgrass

The Players: Rory McIlroy experiences cold putter during uneventful third round as Scottie Scheffler impresses at TPC Sawgrass

Scottie Scheffler insists he has still had a good week at The Players, despite failing to get into title contention, as Rory McIlroy was left to rue a...

The Players: Spectators delayed entering ahead of third round of PGA Tour event after fatal shooting close to TPC Sawgrass

The Players: Spectators delayed entering ahead of third round of PGA Tour event after fatal shooting close to TPC Sawgrass

Spectators were delayed entering The Players ahead of the third round at TPC Sawgrass, following a fatal shooting close to the course the previous eve...

The Players: Rory McIlroy assessing options ahead of The Masters after disappointing title defence at TPC Sawgrass

The Players: Rory McIlroy assessing options ahead of The Masters after disappointing title defence at TPC Sawgrass

Rory McIlroy admitted he is considering a late change to his pre-Masters schedule after a disappointing title defence at The Players. as he recovered...