Europe’s Ryder Cup captain for 2025 revealed in major break from tradition for first time in 30 years
LUKE Donald has been rewarded for leading Europe to a thumping Ryder Cup victory in Rome by retaining the captaincy for New York in 2025.
Donald will become the first man to lead Europe in back-to-back Ryder Cups for thirty years - and will hope to match Tony Jacklin, the only European leader to win the event home AND away.
It will be a tough task, especially as Europe are certain to be confronted by a hostile home crowd when they head to Bethpage Black in two years' time.
But former world No.1 Donald, 45, was begged to stay on by his triumphant players after they romped to a 16 ½ - 11 ½ triumph in Rome a few weeks ago.
And he has jumped at the chance to become Europe’s first repeat captain since Bernhard Gallacher completed a three-timer in 1995 - a hat-trick also achieved by his predecessor, Jacklin.
Donald said: “I’m delighted and honoured to have been given the chance to lead Team Europe in the Ryder Cup once again.
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“Great opportunities don’t come along very often in life and I’m a great believer that when they do, you need to grab them with both hands – this is one of these moments.
“I’ve been fortunate as a player to have had many amazing times in the Ryder Cup over the years, and to add being a winning captain to that, to form bonds with the 12 players like we did in Italy and to get the result we did, was very special indeed.
“The Ryder Cup means so much to me.
"So to be captain again and have the chance to create more history by becoming only the second European captain to win back-to-back is exciting.
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“There is no question that being a captain away from home is a tough task.
"But I have never shied away from challenges throughout my career and it is precisely the kind of thing that motivates me.
“I can’t wait to get another 12-strong team to Bethpage in 2025.”
The 2025 Ryder Cup will be played at the New York course from September 26-28.