Luke Donald has been confirmed as the Team Europe Ryder Cup captain for the 2025 edition, making him the first repeat captain for the team since 1995, after leading the team to victory in his first outing.
At Glance
‣ Luke Donald has been confirmed as the Team Europe Ryder Cup captain for the 2025 edition of the biennial match at Bethpage Black.
‣ Donald led his team to victory at Marco Simone, with the Europeans winning by 16.5 points to 11.5 points over Zach Johnson’s USA team.
‣ If Donald achieves victory in 2025, he will become only the second Team Europe captain to win home and away after Tony Jacklin.
‣ Donald is the first repeat captain for Team Europe since Bernard Gallacher in 1995.
Two more years, anyone?
It’s going to be an honour to lead this amazing team once again in New York.
Let’s go #TeamEurope 💙
— Luke Donald (@LukeDonald)
Luke Donald is set to captain Team Europe for the 2025 Ryder Cup. The event will take place at Bethpage Black. Donald’s appointment comes after his successful first outing as captain at Marco Simone. There, his 12-player team stormed to victory, beating Zach Johnson’s USA team by 16.5 points to 11.5 points. This win reclaimed the trophy after a 19-9 loss at Whistling Straits two years prior.
In the immediate aftermath of the win in Rome, players called for Donald to retain the captaincy. Initially, he didn’t commit, instead taking time to reflect on his achievement. Now, he’s ready to help Europe retain the trophy on US soil. This will be a different proposition, as Team Europe hasn’t won away since the Miracle of Medinah in 2012.
Donald shared his excitement on Twitter. “Two more years, anyone? It’s going to be an honour to lead this amazing team once again in New York. Let’s go #TeamEurope ” he tweeted. If Donald achieves this feat, he’ll become only the second Team Europe captain to win home and away after Tony Jacklin. Jacklin won at The Belfry in 1985 and led Europe to another victory at Muirfield Village two years later.
Meanwhile, the Europeans will be attempting to retain the trophy for the first time since 2014. “I’m delighted and honoured to have been given the chance to lead Team Europe in the Ryder Cup once again,” Donald said. He described the opportunity as a moment to grab with both hands. He also expressed his excitement at the possibility of creating more history by becoming only the second European Captain to win back-to-back.
Donald acknowledged the challenge of being a Captain away from home. However, he stated that he never shied away from challenges throughout his career. He’s motivated by the task and is eager to lead another 12-strong team to Bethpage in 2025.
Guy Kinnings, Executive Director – Ryder Cup, praised Donald’s leadership skills. He said, “Luke was a superb Captain in Rome and we are delighted that he will be returning to the role for the 2025 Ryder Cup in New York.” Kinnings believes that Donald’s clear, calm, and meticulous leadership skills will be big assets for Team Europe.
The opponent for Donald’s team is currently unknown. Tiger Woods is among the favorites for the role. However, Woods was reluctant to discuss plans for 2025, particularly with ongoing discussions between the PGA Tour and Saudi Public Investment Fund behind LIV Golf. He said, “Right now, there’s too much at stake with our Tour to think about a Ryder Cup.”
The news of Donald retaining the role for the Europeans means he becomes the first repeat captain for the team since Bernard Gallacher in 1995. As for Team USA, their way forward remains to be seen.
