Luke Donald is set to discuss the possibility of becoming the Ryder Cup captain for the third time in 2027 with DP World Tour officials in Dubai this week. Shane Lowry, known for his success at Bethpage Black, has encouraged Donald to continue leading the team in Ireland.
As the former world No.1, Donald guided Europe to a remarkable victory in Long Island last September, following their triumph in Rome in 2021. Notably, no European captain has secured three victories, with only Tony Jacklin and Bernard Gallacher achieving the role more than twice.
Currently competing at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, Donald, 48, will engage in discussions with DP World’s CEO, Guy Kinnings, regarding the Ryder Cup captaincy. The European team is expected to make a decision within the next few months.
Expressing his thoughts on the matter, Donald stated, “I will sit down for a chat with Guy this week just to see where I am. I kinda know what the job entails but just to see what they are looking for. Just a chat. I have got a couple more months to decide. Usually they announce it sometime in March. It is a little bit more work at home.”
Lowry, who played a crucial role in retaining the Ryder Cup in New York, believes that Donald is well-suited for the position. He remarked, “I think it’s Luke’s if he wants it. Does he want it or not? I’m not sure. It’s a big undertaking for him, and he’s obviously been very successful.”
Acknowledging the support from fellow players, Donald mentioned, “A few of the players have obviously expressed they’d love me to come back. I casually asked: ‘Would you want me to do this the third time?’ And they’re like: ‘Yeah, of course, of course’. So it’s nice to get some of the backing from the players. I think that’s important.”
In case Donald opts out, Vice-captain Francesco Molinari or Justin Rose are potential candidates for the Ryder Cup captaincy.
