Ryder Cup: Luke Donald hesitates to become captain as he advises 'passionate' Rory McIlroy to become successful future skipper of Team Europe | Golf news
Luke Donald remained coy about whether he will captain Team Europe to a third consecutive Ryder Cup, as he backed Rory McIlroy to become a successful skipper in the future.
Donald led his continent to a thrilling 15-13 victory over the United States at Bethpage Black in September – Europe's first victory in the United States since the 'Miracle of Medina' in 2012 – two years after presiding over a 16.5-11.5 triumph in Rome.
The Englishman is only the second Ryder Cup captain, after Tony Jacklin, to win the event both home and away and is currently considering whether to return to Adare Manor in Ireland in 2027.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Speaking to Sky Sports shortly after the Ryder Cup victory at Bethpage, European captain Donald did not rule out leading again in 2027.
Donald – speaking ahead of playing at the DP World India Championship, live on Sky Sports from Thursday – hopes to be involved in the next Ryder Cup in some way, while believing that McIlroy's “passion” will help him succeed as captain down the line.
The 46-year-old said when asked if he would manage Team Europe in County Limerick: “I'm still trying to enjoy this one!
“If I'm not captain in two years and the captain wants me to be there, then I'm sure I'd be happy to help him however he wants.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
McIlroy criticized the American crowd at Bethpage after a series of unsavory incidents at the Ryder Cup.
McIlroy loves the Ryder Cup 'more than anything'
Of McIlroy, who racked up 3.5 points for Team Europe in New York while facing heavy insults from some of the home crowd, Donald added: “He loves the Ryder Cup more than anything.
“He made it clear that winning a Ryder Cup away from home would really be the icing on the cake of an incredible year he’s had. [in winning the Masters for the career Grand Slam].
“He loves what it represents. You saw the emotion of losing or winning. I think anyone who has that passion for the Ryder Cup would make a good captain.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
McIlroy showed emotion when he spoke shortly after Europe won the Ryder Cup in New York in September.
McIlroy will join Donald on court this week in Delhi, with the latter excited to return to the course as a player following his efforts as Ryder Cup captain.
Donald: I woke up from Ryder Cup dreams
Donald said: “Before the Ryder Cup you spend five or six weeks thinking about all sorts of different things, the partnerships, the pairs, the golf course, the giveaways.
“There’s so much to do that your mind kind of gets clogged.
Donald will play at the DP World India Championship this week, live on Sky Sports
“I had many nights where I woke up with dreams of the Ryder Cup and things where I had forgotten my radio one night and there was still a match on the course and I was panicking, trying to get to it.
“I think coming here and playing a tournament will really help me. It will allow me to think more about what I need to do this week. I'm excited to start playing again.”
Watch DP India World Championship Live Aerial sports from Thursday to Sunday. Day one coverage begins at 7:30 a.m. Sky Sports Golf And Sky Sports main event. Stream the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, LPGA Tour and more contract-free with NOW.
2025-10-14 15:25:00
