Luke Donald is set to discuss the possibility of becoming the Ryder Cup captain for the third time in 2027 with the DP World Tour in Dubai this week. Shane Lowry, known for his success at Bethpage Black, has voiced his support for Donald staying on as captain in Ireland.
The former world No.1 led Europe to a memorable victory in Long Island last September, following their win in Rome in 2021. Notably, no European captain has secured three wins, with only Tony Jacklin and Bernard Gallacher achieving the role more than twice.
Donald, aged 48, is participating in the Hero Dubai Desert Classic this week, marking his first event of the year. Apart from his golf commitments, he will engage in discussions with DP World’s CEO, Guy Kinnings, regarding the Ryder Cup captaincy, as a decision from Europe is expected in the coming months.
Expressing his thoughts on the matter, Donald mentioned, “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 to retain the Ryder Cup in New York, believes that the decision rests with Donald. He stated, “I think it’s Luke’s if he wants it. Does he want it or not? I’m not sure. It’s a big undertaking for him, and he’s obviously been very successful.”
Furthermore, Donald mentioned, “A few of the players have obviously 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. I casually asked: ‘Would you want me to do this the third time?’ And they’re like: ‘Yeah, of course, of course’. So it’s nice to get some of the backing from the players. I think that’s important.”
In the event Donald decides against the captaincy, potential candidates could include Vice-captain Francesco Molinari or Justin Rose.