Luke Donald confirms Edoardo Molinari for third stint as Team Europe vice-captain. Donald aims for historic third consecutive Ryder Cup win.
Tag: Luke Donald
Tiger Woods steps back from leading Team USA at the 2027 Ryder Cup in Ireland, citing personal challenges. The PGA seeks a new captain.
Luke Donald will lead Europe at Adare Manor in 2027, seeking to become the first captain to win three consecutive Ryder Cups.
In October, Luke Donald made his way to Sea Island for a video session featuring the Mizuno Pro 245 iron. Little did he know, this gathering would actually mark a turning point. Following the shoot, Luke expressed interest in acquiring a full set of the 245’s, a decision influenced not only by the allure of extra distance but also by the comprehensive package offered by these irons. Of particular importance was the control over trajectory, a test the 245’s passed with flying colors. Luke’s choice to opt for the most forgiving model made quite an impression, especially considering his initial reservations. It was a moment captured on film, marking the beginning of a notable journey with the Mizuno Pro irons.
The test that made Luke Donald switch to a hollow body iron
The WM Phoenix Open, part of the PGA Tour, is about to tee off at TPC Scottsdale (Stadium Course) in Scottsdale, Arizona, USA. Defending champion, Scottie Scheffler, will look to defend his title on the Par 71 course with a total prize purse of $8,800,000 at stake.
PGA Tour Tee Times: Spotlight on English, Welsh and Scottish Players
Scotland’s Martin Laird is kicking off the tee times for the UK players at 07:20 for Round 1 on the first day, paired with the USA’s David Lipsky and Carl Yuan from China. Laird, Lipsky and Yuan will hit the course for Round 2 at 12:00.
Meanwhile, Scottish golfer Robert MacIntyre will tee off at 07:31 for Round 1, along with England’s Callum Tarren and Matthias Schmid from Germany. The trio is again teaming up for Round 2, with a start time of 12:11.
Luke Donald, hailing from England, will partner with Sweden’s Alexander Noren and USA’s Davis Thompson. Their tee time for Round 1 is set for 07:42, while Round 2 start is set at 12:22.
Englishman Matt Wallace has a Round 1 tee time set for 08:15, with his counterparts J.J. Spaun and Matt Kuchar, both from the USA. The same group will start Round 2 at 12:55. Matt Fitzpatrick is starting at the same times from different tees alongside Sungjae Im and Irish Shane Lowry.
In addition, English players Aaron Rai and Ben Taylor will start their quest in Round 1 at 08:48 and 08:59 respectively. They will play along with Cheng Tsung Pan of Taiwan, Vincent Whaley from the USA, Seonghyeon Kim of Korea and Lanto Griffin from the USA. Round 2 for these groups will commence at 13:28 and 13:39 respectively.
English player Harry Hall will commence Round 1 at 12:00 along with Andrew Novak from USA and Samuel Stevens also from the USA. Round 2 for this team will begin at the early time of 07:20.
| Player | Nationality | Round 1 | Round 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Martin Laird | Scotland | 07:20 | 12:00 |
| Robert MacIntyre | Scotland | 07:31 | 12:11 |
| Luke Donald | England | 07:42 | 12:22 |
| Matt Wallace | England | 08:15 | 12:55 |
| Aaron Rai | England | 08:48 | 13:28 |
| Ben Taylor | England | 08:59 | 13:39 |
| Harry Hall | England | 12:00 | 07:20 |
(This text was generated by AI)
Luke Donald has been named as the European Captain for the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in New York.
The 45 year old Englishman returns to the role having led Europe to a 16½ – 11½ victory against the United States in the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome, Italy, earlier this year.
Luke Donald takes on second Ryder Cup Captaincy
He will become Europe’s first repeat Captain since Bernard Gallacher performed the role in three consecutive Ryder Cups, in 1991, 1993 and 1995.
Donald will be aiming to become only the second Captain to lead Europe to victories both home and away, following Tony Jacklin who achieved the double at Muirfield Village in Ohio in 1987, retaining the Ryder Cup following his team’s victory two years previously at The Belfry, in England, in 1985.
Donald said: “I’m delighted and honoured to have been given the chance to lead Team Europe in the Ryder Cup once again. 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 so 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.
Luke Donal will be European Ryder Cup Captain at Bethpage Black
“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.”
Guy Kinnings, Executive Director – Ryder Cup, said: “Luke was a superb Captain in Rome and we are delighted that he will be returning to the role for the 2025 Ryder Cup in New York.
“He demonstrated clear, calm and meticulous leadership skills in Rome, and all those qualities will be big assets again for Luke and Team Europe as they take on the considerable challenge of trying to retain the Ryder Cup against a strong US Team backed by passionate support in New York.”
Donald featured as a player in the last European Team to win on American soil at Medinah Country Club in 2012 when he led José María Olazábal’s side out in the singles, securing the first blue point on the board in one of the most famous comebacks in the history of the biennial contest.
In total, he represented Europe in the Ryder Cup four times as a player, being part of a winning team on all four occasions, contributing 10½ points from his 15 matches.
He then served as a Vice Captain in 2018, under Thomas Bjørn, and Pádraig Harrington in 2021, before becoming Captain for the first time at the 2023 contest in Rome.
Donald also has an impressive in individual playing career having been World Number One for a total of 56 weeks, while in 2011 he became the first player in history to top the money lists on the European Tour (now the DP World Tour) and the PGA TOUR in the same year.
(Text: Ryder Cup Europe)
The atmosphere is vibrant, the greens immaculate, and the stakes are higher than ever as the Ryder Cup 2023 swings into action. For the first time in its history, the tournament takes place Italy, with the eternal city, Rome, playing the host. It is a tournament steeped in tradition and fierce rivalries, as Team USA, the reigning champions, embarks on a journey to claim victory on European soil, a feat they have not achieved in three decades.
The air is tinged with anticipation and resolve as Team Europe, still nursing the wounds from their 2021 defeat, aspires to reclaim the trophy. The battle for fame and honour is set.
In an intimate discussion leading up to the anticipated Ryder Cup, Team Europe’s Captain, Luke Donald, shares exclusive insights into the team’s preparation, strategies, and dynamics, setting the tone for a thrilling confrontation on the greens.
Donald Expresses Excitement and Confidence in Team’s Strength for the Ryder Cup 2023
Reflecting on the official team photos and donning the team uniforms, Donald states, “It’s finally here… It’s a very special morning… we are officially in our first days of uniform.” Acknowledging the tradition’s significance, he highlights the close-knit relationships within the team and the special atmosphere brewing as the tournament approaches.
Addressing questions regarding potential team pairings and the setup for foursomes and four-balls, Donald makes it clear that detailed strategies are in place but remain fluid. He expresses confidence in the team’s strength in foursomes, stating, “We feel like we are just slightly stronger statistically in foursomes to four-balls… We have an opportunity to send out four very strong pairings and hopefully grab an early lead.”
The statistical approach to formulating strategies is spearheaded by Edoardo Molinari, whose extensive experience and understanding of players’ strengths play a pivotal role in decision-making. Donald adds, “He knows that numbers can make a difference… All of our decisions come from instinct and gut as well as statistics.”
Donald Lauds Fleetwood’s Leadership and Aberg’s Composure
When asked about potential tattoos commemorating a win, a playful notion following Thomas Björn’s footsteps, Donald asserts, “No guarantees on the tattoo… But I’m sure we can find a suitable way to celebrate if it goes our way on Sunday.”
Diving into team dynamics, Donald praises Tommy Fleetwood’s remarkable contributions, stating he “could be a future captain… He’s very much a team player and one of the best ball-strikers in the world.” Donald’s acknowledgment of Fleetwood’s potential leadership suggests a promising future for the talented golfer within Team Europe’s framework.
Newcomer Ludvig Aberg, a rising star in the golf sphere, also earns Donald’s recognition. “He seems very unfazed… He’s quite quiet… he’s just going to let his clubs do the talking this week,” Donald remarks, indicating Aberg’s calm demeanor and focused approach to his professional journey.
The possible deployment of the team’s 12 players is also outlined, with Donald hinting at strategies to keep the energy levels optimal on the demanding course. “It’s not out of the possibility that someone will play five [matches],” he reveals, leaving room for dynamic strategies during the tournament.
Team Unity Amid Notable Absences
On confronting opponents, Donald emphasizes the importance of controlling what the team can and focusing more on Team Europe’s preparation rather than the opponents’. He states, “Control what you can control. Get our best pairings out in the order that we think is best and let the chips fall where they fall.”
Responding to the absence of some notable names, Donald conveys confidence in the current team’s motivation and clarity in their mission, emphasizing the unity and shared goals of the players over the need for “large voices within the team room.”
As the clock ticks down to the opening shots, the combination of strategies, team dynamics, and individual talents within Team Europe hints at a thrilling showdown at the Ryder Cup, with Captain Luke Donald steering the ship toward potential victory.
(This article was written with the help of AI)
The 45-year-old Englishman looks back on a long and successful career. In total, Luke Donald has won 13 titles on the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour (former European Tour) and was among the world’s top 20 players at the beginning of 2005. In 2011, he was ranked first in the world golf rankings for the first time. His participations in the Ryder Cup speak for themselves. Four times he faced the American team and four times he won the Ryder Cup with Team Europe.
Luke Donald as Captain at the Ryder Cup 2023
Luke Donald was appointed captain for the 44th Ryder Cup on August 1, 2022. He will lead his team from September 29 through October 1. His long history in the Ryder Cup and not a single defeat as a player should bode well for the European team.
Donald has always been a competitive player. In 2011, for example, he won the WGC Accenture Match Play in the final against Martin Kaymer. His experience and passion, along with a host of successes from the still-active player, make him a showcase captain for the European team, which will face a strong Team USA this year.
Four Ryder Cup appearances – Four Ryder Cup victories
His Ryder Cup career began in 2004, when Bernhard Langer was captain of the European team. At that time, Europe won the tournament in Michigan by a historic margin. Luke Donald played his part in that. On the first and second day, he won the Foursome both times together with Sergio Garcia. He was only beaten in the singles match play on Sunday. Garcia and he formed the Ryder Cup Dream Team. In 2006, they also won together in the Foursome on Friday and Saturday, facing none other than Phil Mickelson on both days. That year he also won his singles match.
He then continued his winning statistics at the Ryder Cup in 2010. On Friday, he was defeated in the Fourball, but on Saturday he won twice and, with a victory in the match on the final day, ensured the next European Ryder Cup victory. In 2012, in his last Ryder Cup appearance, he helped seal a narrow European victory when he won his singles match against Bubba Watson. He thus sat out the Ryder Cup only once (2008), the only year Europe lost the Ryder Cup between 2004 and 2012.
Luke Donald’s greatest successes and prize money
One of his greatest successes was his victory at the BMW PGA Championship in 2011. This victory catapulted him to the top of the world rankings for the first time in his career. A year later, he even defended his title at the tournament. For a long time, Luke Donald played mainly on the PGA Tour, but he also took part in tournaments on the European Tour. On the PGA Tour he managed five more victories. In total, the Englishman has won 13 international titles.
In his career, he made the cut 290 times in 421 events played. 79 top-10 finishes and 16 second places illustrate his class. That brings him to around $38 million in prize money earned so far in his career.
Luke Donald has announced his wildcards for Team Europe at the 2023 Ryder Cup. With six players he completes his team with which he will compete against Zach Johnson’s team in Italy to bring the Ryder Cup back into European hands. These are Luke Donald’s captain’s picks:
Tommy Fleetwood, Sepp Straka, Justin Rose, Shane Lowry, Nicolai Hojgaard and Ludvig Aberg.
Luke Donald’s picks for the Ryder Cup 2023
For Sepp Straka it will be the first Ryder Cup. He impressed with a win at the John Deere Classic and second place at the Open Championship. “It was a goal to make the team, but it always looks so far away. It’s an honor to be on it.” Donald especially praised Straka’s involvement in Hero Cup earlier this year, for which he flew to Abu Dhabi. “He loves the team environment and is in great form.”
Tommy Fleetwood will be making his third Ryder Cup appearance. He was on the verge of qualifying directly until near the end of the qualifying stage, but was then overtaken by Matt Fitzpatrick. “He’s a ball-striking machine,” Donald explained his choice. Fleetwood was there for the magnificent 2018 victory at Le Golf National, but also for the crushing defeat at Whistling Straits. “I’m one of those players who stood on the 18th green last time out and couldn’t wait to be back next time and bring the trophy back,” Fleetwood said after his appointment.
With Justin Rose, Luke Donald brings a lot of experience to the team. Rose has been part of the team five times, three of them victorious. “A wealth of experience,” Justin Rose offers according to the captain. “He’s been in these situations before, holed putts under pressure.” The Englishman is excited about being in the team for the sixth time after failing to make the team in the previous edition at Whistling Straits. “There’s nothing better than winning as a team,” Rose said.
“He’s made for the big moments, he showed that with his win at the 2019 Open Championship,” Donald announced Shane Lowry as his next pick. Lowry showed his enthusiasm for the Ryder Cup in 2021 at Whistling Straits, even if it wasn’t enough to win. “I’m incredibly proud, grateful and looking forward to Rome,” Lowry said. “The last one hurt and I’m looking forward to a home Ryder Cup.” Despite the loss, Lowry said the 2021 experience was one he will never forget.
Luke Donald brings another rookie to the team in Nicolai Hojgaard. “It was one of my goals and to be on a team with players I’ve admired my whole life is fantastic.” Donald emphasizes the form Hojgaard is currently in and how he proved himself at the Hero Cup earlier this year.
The last pick also goes to a rookie who is starting his pro career with a bang: Ludvig Aberg. The Swede has only been on the pro circuit for two and a half months. “He has the potential to be a superstar in golf,” is how Donald introduces his latest pick. He had his eye on him in his college days, he says, and played with him at the Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit. “I was impressed with his game, so I challenged him to play in Europe for a few weeks after all. And as you know, how that went.” After a shared fourth-place finish at the Czech Masters, Aberg won in Switzerland over the weekend. “If you would have told me a few months ago that I would be in this position, I probably wouldn’t have believed it,” said Aberg, who will be the first player to compete in the Ryder Cup without ever having played a major before.
The Ryder Cup will be played from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Rome.
These players have already qualified for Team Europe
Six players had already qualified via the two points lists, the European Points List and the World Points List. Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy and Robert MacIntyre secured their places via the European Points List. While Rahm and McIlroy had already been determined for a while, MacIntyre prevailed in the last qualifying valid DP World Tour tournaments. Viktor Hovland and Tyrrell Hatton were impossible to catch in the world points standings after the FedExCup playoffs. Matt Fitzpatrick secured the final qualifying spot at the Omega European Masters.
European Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald has announced 18 players, including an exciting mix of Ryder Cup stars, Major Champions and the most promising young players in world golf, to make up the Continental Europe and Great Britain and Ireland teams for next year’s Hero Cup in Abu Dhabi from January 13-15.
In consultation with the respective Hero Cup Captains Tommy Fleetwood and Francesco Molinari, who will both compete as playing Captains, Donald confirmed the teams for next year’s match play contest at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, with one remaining position for each team to be allocated at the conclusion of the DP World Tour calendar year.
Match Play Tournament on the DP World Tour
Donald and Molinari have constructed a strong mix of proven winners with Sweden’s Alex Noren and Belgium’s Thomas Pieters bringing Ryder Cup experience to the Continental Europe ranks one week before the Belgian defends his Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship title at Yas Links.
Molinari’s team will be completed by a host of exciting young players including Austrian Sepp Straka, who won his maiden PGA TOUR title at The Honda Classic in 2022, three-time DP World Tour winner Rasmus Højgaard, two-time winner Victor Perez and Adrian Meronk, who became the first Polish player to win on the DP World Tour when he claimed the 2022 Horizon Irish Open.
Belgium’s Thomas Detry has also enjoyed a strong start to his rookie PGA TOUR season finishing in the top-12 in three of the five events played – including second place in the Butterfield Bermuda Championship – and has six top-15 finishes on the DP World Tour. He is joined by three-time DP World Tour winner Guido Migliozzi, who claimed the biggest victory of his career in September at the Cazoo Open de France.
The Great Britain and Ireland team, led by two-time Ryder Cup player Fleetwood, boasts 2019 Open Champion Shane Lowry and four-time Rolex Series winner Tyrrell Hatton amongst its ranks.
They will be joined by a stream of Ryder Cup hopefuls including Irishman Séamus Power, who has enjoyed a stunning start to the 2023 PGA TOUR season and currently leads the FedEx Cup Standings, and DP World Tour winners Ewen Ferguson, Robert MacIntyre, Callum Shinkwin, Jordan Smith and Matt Wallace.
Luke Donald wants to “combine experience and youthfulness”
Donald, the 2023 European Ryder Cup Captain, said: “Having worked closely with Tommy and Fran on building the two teams, I’m delighted with the mix of players who will be on show at Abu Dhabi Golf Club in January.
“We all thought it was important to combine experience and youthfulness and I think we have found that balance with a mixture of Major Champions and Ryder Cup players, alongside guys who are hoping to secure a spot in Rome next year.”
Prep at the highest level
Molinari, the Continental Europe Captain and 2018 Open Champion, said: “Our team is packed full of exciting players who all have the attributes to excel in a match play contest and I’m excited to lead them into the Hero Cup next year.
“Some of our younger players have already shown incredible maturity in high-pressured situations and proved they can perform in big moments, so giving them the opportunity to compete on this stage alongside the likes of Alex Noren and Thomas Pieters will be really important at the beginning of what could be a big year for them.”
Fleetwood leads the island Europeans
Fleetwood, who combined with Molinari to collect four points from four matches at the 2018 Ryder Cup in France, said: “I am really pleased with the players who will form the Great Britain and Ireland team next year.
“Having the experience of Shane and Tyrrell will be invaluable for the rest of the team in a match play environment but I think we are really strong throughout the team. We have proven winners in some of the biggest DP World Tour events and it will be great to have Séámus with us following his excellent start to the season in America.”
Dr Pawan Munjal, Chairman and CEO, Hero MotoCorp, said: “We are delighted to see the best of emerging talent from Europe together with established Major Champions and Ryder Cup stars at the upcoming Hero Cup in January. It is going to be a fantastic week of top class golf and a keen tussle on the course between these two strong teams.”
2023 Hero Cup Teams
| Continental Europe | Great Britain & Ireland |
| Francesco MOLINARI (C) | Tommy FLEETWOOD (C) |
| Thomas DETRY | Ewen FERGUSON |
| Rasmus HØJGAARD | Tyrrell HATTON |
| Adrian MERONK | Shane LOWRY |
| Guido MIGLIOZZI | Robert MACINTYRE |
| Alex NOREN | Seamus POWER |
| Victor PEREZ | Callum SHINKWIN |
| Thomas PIETERS | Jordan SMITH |
| Sepp STRAKA | Matt WALLACE |
| Player TBC | Player TBC |
(Text: Press release DP World Tour)