sport news Luke Donald in line to become Team Europe's next Ryder Cup captain

sport news Luke Donald in line to become Team Europe's next Ryder Cup captain
sport news Luke Donald in line to become Team Europe's next Ryder Cup captain

Luke Donald looks set to be named as Europe’s Ryder Cup captain for the match in Rome next year after a ringing endorsement from current skipper Padraig Harrington.

The Irishman is part of the five-man committee who will make the appointment, as Europe look to bounce back from the battering handed out by the Americans at Whistling Straits last September.

Donald has moved into pole position after Lee Westwood, hitherto an overwhelming first choice, ruled himself out, with Henrik Stenson thought ready to follow suit. 

Luke Donald is in line to be Team Europe's captain at the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome

Luke Donald is in line to be Team Europe's captain at the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome

Harrington said that no date had been fixed to sift through the remaining candidates.

‘As players, we’ve certainly discussed who will be the next captain,’ the Dubliner admitted to Sportsmail.

‘It was assumed it was going to be Lee but I can see where he is coming from, he is playing good golf and he wants to concentrate on that. His decision certainly put the cat among the pigeons though, didn’t it?

‘All I can say is that Luke would be great. Behind the scenes he does a terrific job. His management style... he knows. 

The Englishman has received a ringing endorsement from current captain Padraig Harrington

The Englishman has received a ringing endorsement from current captain Padraig Harrington

A former World No1, Donald played in four Ryder Cups between 2004 and 2012 for Europe

A former World No1, Donald played in four Ryder Cups between 2004 and 2012 for Europe

‘He’s got the experience, and I’d thoroughly recommend him.’

Former World No 1 Donald played in four Ryder Cups between 2004 and 2012 and was never on a losing side, claiming 10½ points from a possible 15.

In typically understated Donald style, he was a key performer at the Miracle of Medinah in his adopted hometown of Chicago in 2012 while claiming few headlines.

First man out in the singles, the underrated Englishman set the ball in motion for that unforgettable final-day transformation with a key victory over Bubba Watson.

Harrington said a date to determine the identity of the 2023 captain had not been set yet

Harrington said a date to determine the identity of the 2023 captain had not been set yet

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