Tommy Fleetwood has backed Luke Donald to take on another challenge as Ryder Cup captain and believes Team Europe would be “delighted” to have him play the role again in the 2027 contest.
Donald became the second European captain to win back-to-back games against the United States, leading them to a 16.5-11.5 victory in Rome and making a famous title defense at Bethpage Black in September.
The former world number one has yet to rule out a third captaincy at the Centenary Tournament to be held at Adare Manor in Ireland in September 2027, with Fleetwood hoping Donald can return to the captain’s role and help Europe’s bid for a third successive Ryder Cup.
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European team captain Luke Donald says he would not rule out a third European captaincy at Adare Manor in 2027.
“I think we all want Luke to stay, as a player and as a team,” Fleetwood said on the Sky Sports Golf Podcast.
“He was an unbelievable captain and an unbelievable leader.
“I would classify Luke as a very close friend and it has been amazing to see how he has developed as a leader over this period, from being captain at Roma to now.
“I think we all want him to stay here and continue. I feel like there’s still a little bit of time left in the story, so I’d like him to do that, but it’s completely his choice.”
“With the captaincy he’s had so far, he’s earned the right to decide what he wants to do. We’ll see. He’s been great and we’ll see what Luke Donald wants to do next.”
Fleetwood became Europe’s top scorer in a 15-13 win in New York, winning each of his first four matches to take a historic lead heading into the final day’s singles.
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Highlights of key moments from New York to Ryder Cup final day as Europe clinch the trophy
“I think we’re all very proud to go there as a team and as a family and represent Team Europe in the same way,” Fleetwood added. “No matter what happens in the future, for all of us it will be the most memorable moment of our careers.
“I actually love Christmas time because that’s when the programs come out and the Ryder Cup reruns start, so I’m looking forward to watching it again!
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Tommy Fleetwood reflects on Team Europe’s win at Bethpage Black and the experience of facing a ‘hostile’ crowd
“We were confident as a team and very well prepared. It was a dream to be able to spend that Friday and Saturday. It couldn’t have been a better situation for us.”
“Saturday night on the golf course was honestly one of the most special atmospheres I’ve ever seen. The team behind us, the thorough planning and executing it the way we did it was amazing.”
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Ryder Cup final day highlights from Team Europe’s 15-13 win over Bethpage Black
Kanter: Fleetwood’s huge success is ‘inevitable’
Fleetwood is speaking ahead of the DP World Tour Championship, with the Briton looking to cap off a career-changing year with his first win at the final race of the season.
He clinched FedEx Cup glory at the Tour Championship the month before winning the Ryder Cup with the European team, ending his wait for his first PGA Tour title and playing in the DP World India Championship in October.
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Highlights of Tommy Fleetwood’s victory at the 1st DP World India Championship. A final round of 65 left him two spots behind.
Fleetwood narrowly missed out on winning the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship after losing to Aaron Rai in a play-off, but compatriot Rory Canter continued to support the eight-time DP World Tour winner to further success.
“People who love golf will say Tommy is the second best player in the world this year,” Canter said on the Sky Sports Golf Podcast. “Statistically, what he’s doing overlaps with (Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy).
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Highlights from Day 4 of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship as Aaron Rai defeated Tommy Fleetwood in a play-off
“Obviously, he doesn’t have the major records like those two guys, but he’s going to have them. I think it’s inevitable that he will, and he’ll get some. He seems more comfortable to me, he’s got a huge winning history, and it’s just the next step.”
“He seems to have a great team with him, including Butch Harmon, so if he can stay healthy, I’m rooting for him to have a pretty fun golfing career for the next 10 years.”
What else is on the Sky Sports Golf podcast?
Andrew Coltart, Wayne Reilly and Rory Canter join Jamie Weir on the latest episode of the Sky Sports Golf Podcast, recorded in Dubai ahead of the DP World Tour Championship.
They discuss the Race to Dubai finale, where McIlroy is in the best position to win the title, as well as the players who could seal next season’s PGA Tour card and dual membership. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Spreaker. Vodcast editions are also available on the Sky Sports Golf YouTube channel.
Can Rory McIlroy win the Race to Dubai again? Watch the DP World Tour Championship live on Sky Sports. Live coverage will begin on Sky Sports Golf from 7am on Thursday. Stream DP World Tour and more without a contract.
