Luke Donald will captain Team Europe in the Ryder Cup for the third consecutive year, having been named again in the role for the 2027 contest to be held at Adare Manor in Ireland.
Donald led the European team to back-to-back wins against the United States, leading them to a 16.5-11.5 victory in Rome in 2023, avenging a record defeat two years ago and successfully retaining the trophy in New York last September.
After building a record-breaking lead over Team USA over the first two days at Bethpage Black, the European team won 15-13, with Donald joining Tony Jacklin as the only European captains to win back-to-back Ryder Cups.
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Highlights of key moments from Bethpage Black on the final day of the Ryder Cup as Europe continued to win the trophy
The former world No. 1 was described as the “greatest European captain of all time” after his famous victory on American soil, and was confirmed to become the first European captain since Bernard Gallacher to captain Europe in three successive Ryder Cups.
Donald will be aiming to defend the trophy once more in his home country next September, live on Sky Sports, where he will aim to achieve a historic third successive title and become the first European to win the Ryder Cup three times as captain.
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Team USA captain Keegan Bradley praised Luke Donald after Team USA won the 2025 Ryder Cup
“The last two Ryder Cups have meant a lot to me and my family,” Donald said. “I never imagined a third time like this would come. On Sunday night, celebrating in New York after a week full of pressure in difficult circumstances, I thought my job might be done. But maybe there’s more story to tell.”
“This journey as Ryder Cup captain has given me a lot of focus and a lot of purpose. It’s something I don’t take for granted. It’s a real honor and I’m definitely looking forward to hosting another Ryder Cup at home.”
Captain Donald continues his historic journey
Donald was never on a losing team in the Ryder Cup, either as a player or captain, appearing on four winning teams as a player and then leading consecutive wins against the United States as captain.
The Englishman was part of winning teams as a player in 2004, 2006, 2010 and 2012, with Donald also serving as vice-captain to Thomas Bjorn during the 2018 Paris success and Padraig Harrington’s vice-captain during the 2021 defeat at Whistling Straits.
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Luke Donald appeared on the Sky Sports Golf Podcast and confirmed he will captain Europe for a historic third time.
Donald was initially named as replacement captain for the 2023 tournament after Henrik Stenson was stripped of the captaincy upon joining LIV Golf, but has since gone on to cement his place as one of Europe’s Ryder Cup greats.
After Roma’s victory, the players cheered for “two more years,” and in response, he accepted the role again for the 2025 tournament, sending a similar message after last year’s title defense.
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Matt Fitzpatrick said he “wouldn’t blame” Donald for stepping down as Team Europe Ryder Cup captain, but vowed the team would “all welcome him back”.
He held talks with DP World Tour chief executive Guy Kinnings in January and was once again fixed as captain for the Centenary Tournament to be held at Adare Manor in Limerick from September 17 to 19 next year.
“History is obviously important to me,” Donald added. “As a team, as Ryder Cup Europe, we are all playing for history. We talk a lot about the players who paved the way for us and the responsibility we have to inspire the next generation.
“I don’t think I’ve ever thought about history through a personal lens. I just try to enjoy the journey and the day-to-day work of creating an environment that gives players the opportunity to succeed. That’s what I’m focused on.”
Donald had previously refused to rule out a third stint in the role immediately after ending his home dominance in the biennial contest, with the win at Bethpage Black marking the first away win from either team since the 2012 ‘Miracle in Medina’.
Guy Kinnings, CEO of the European Tour Group, said: “Luke was an outstanding captain in Rome and New York, leading his team to victory both times, and it’s great to be back for a third win.”
“Those victories were notable, but what was even more impressive was how he led his team and how he conducted himself. He has faced many challenges as captain over his two terms, but he has handled them all with his usual calm, composure, authority and, above all, respect.”
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European teams continued to celebrate on the team bus after winning the Ryder Cup and sent their own message to U.S. President Donald Trump
“While he has taken great care in everything in his planning and preparation, Luke will be the first to admit that, as with all previous jobs, this is a new challenge for him and the team. He will be as motivated and dedicated as ever to help the team achieve further success.”
The PGA of America has not yet announced who will captain Team USA for the 2027 contest, but Tiger Woods is the frontrunner to replace Keegan Bradley after turning down the opportunity last time.
Watch the next two Ryder Cups live exclusively on Sky Sports, including the 2027 edition at Adare Manor in Ireland. Stream DP World Tour and more without a contract.
