Luke Donald is set to discuss the possibility of leading the Ryder Cup team for the third time in 2027 during his visit to the DP World Tour in Dubai. Shane Lowry, known for his performance at Bethpage Black, has encouraged Donald to continue as the captain for the upcoming event in Ireland.
Having guided Europe to victory in Long Island last September and previously in Rome in 2021, Donald is contemplating the captaincy role once again. No European captain has secured three wins, with only Tony Jacklin and Bernard Gallacher achieving this feat more than twice.
Currently participating in the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, Donald, 48, will engage in discussions with DP World’s CEO, Guy Kinnings, regarding the Ryder Cup captaincy decision that Europe needs to finalize in the coming months.
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 and what they are looking for. I have a couple more months to decide, as the announcement is usually made in March. It involves more work, especially since I reside in the US, but if I choose to take on the role, I will dedicate myself fully to it.”
Lowry, who played a crucial part in securing the Ryder Cup in New York, believes that Donald is a strong candidate for the captaincy. He remarked, “I think it’s Luke’s if he wants it. It’s his decision, and it’s a significant commitment considering the planning involved, especially for a home Ryder Cup. I would love to see him lead the team once again.”
Acknowledging the support from fellow players like Rory McIlroy, Shane, and Matt Fitzpatrick, Donald mentioned, “A few players have expressed their desire for me to return as the captain. It’s reassuring to have the backing of the players, which I consider important.”
In the event that Donald opts out of the captaincy, potential candidates like Vice-captain Francesco Molinari or Justin Rose could be considered for the role.