Luke Donald is scheduled to have discussions with the DP World Tour in Dubai this week regarding the possibility of assuming the Ryder Cup captaincy for the third time in 2027. Shane Lowry, the hero of Bethpage Black, has encouraged Donald to continue leading the team in Ireland.
Having guided Europe to a remarkable victory in Long Island last September and previously securing the trophy in Rome in 2021, the former world No.1 is contemplating another stint as captain. Notably, no European captain has achieved three victories, with only Tony Jacklin and Bernard Gallacher exceeding two wins.
Donald, aged 48, is currently participating in the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, marking his inaugural event of the year. Alongside his competitive commitments, he will engage in discussions with DP World’s CEO, Guy Kinnings, as Europe is approaching a decision deadline for the Ryder Cup captaincy 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 securing a half point during the Ryder Cup in New York, believes that Donald is the ideal candidate for the captaincy. He mentioned, “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 added, “A few of the players have obviously expressed they’d love me to come back. I see Rory (McIlroy), and I see Shane and Fitzy (Matt Fitzpatrick) and some of those guys in Florida, quite a lot. 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 the event Donald opts not to pursue the captaincy again, potential candidates such as Vice-captain Francesco Molinari or Justin Rose could be considered for the role.