LONDON — Luke Donald, the 48-year-old Englishman, was appointed European captain for a third consecutive Ryder Cup on Wednesday, positioning him to potentially become the first skipper to deliver three triumphs in a row at the 2027 event in Limerick, Ireland.
Fresh off back-to-back victories against the U.S. in Rome and New York last year, Donald reflected in a statement: “The last two Ryder Cups have meant a lot to me and my family. I didn’t imagine this third time would come.” He added that celebrating in New York after a grueling week made him think his role might be over, but “maybe there is a little more story to tell.”
The captaincy brings renewed purpose, Donald said, calling it a “real privilege” as Europe hosts again. The choice holds special weight in Ireland, where he went 3-0 as a player in 2006 at The K Club under Ian Woosnam. “The Irish golf fans are some of the best in the world—passionate, hospitable, and down to earth,” he noted, highlighting the home advantage.
The milestone 100th Ryder Cup unfolds September 17-19 at Adare Manor.