Luke Donald is set to have discussions with the DP World Tour in Dubai this week regarding the possibility of leading the Ryder Cup team for the third time in 2027. Shane Lowry, known for his success at Bethpage Black, has encouraged Donald to continue as the captain for the upcoming event in Ireland.
Having guided Europe to victory in Rome in 2021 and a memorable win in Long Island last September, Donald, a former world No.1, could become the first European captain to secure three Ryder Cup wins. The decision needs to be made soon, with only Tony Jacklin and Bernard Gallacher having led the team more than twice.
Donald, aged 48, is currently participating in the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, marking his first competition of the year. Apart from focusing on his gameplay, he will engage in discussions with DP World’s CEO, Guy Kinnings, to explore the responsibilities and expectations associated with the Ryder Cup captaincy.
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 for Europe in New York, believes that Donald is the ideal candidate for the captaincy. He emphasized, “I think it’s Luke’s if he wants it. It’s a big undertaking for him, and he’s obviously been very successful.”
Acknowledging the support from his fellow players, Donald mentioned, “A few of the players have 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.”
In case Donald decides against taking on the role again, potential candidates such as Vice-captain Francesco Molinari or Justin Rose could be considered for the position.