Luke Donald to Lead Europe for Third Straight Ryder Cup

Veteran captain aims for historic three-peat at 2027 event in Ireland

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Luke Donald will captain the European Ryder Cup team for a third consecutive time in 2027, the first European captain to achieve that feat. Donald led Europe to victories in the past two Ryder Cups in Rome (2023) and Bethpage (2025), and will now look to make history at Adare Manor in Ireland.

Why it matters

Donald's appointment as a three-time consecutive European Ryder Cup captain is a rare and prestigious accomplishment, underscoring his leadership and the trust placed in him by the European team. The Ryder Cup is one of golf's most iconic events, and Donald's continued stewardship will be closely watched as he aims to inspire the next generation of European talent.

The details

Donald, a former world No. 1 player, has captained the European team to victories in the past two Ryder Cups. He will now look to make it three in a row when the event is held at Adare Manor in Ireland in 2027. No European captain has ever led the team to three straight Ryder Cup wins.

  • Donald captained Europe to victory at the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome.
  • Donald led Europe to another win at the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in New York.
  • The 2027 Ryder Cup will be held at Adare Manor in Ireland.

The players

Luke Donald

A former world No. 1 golfer, Donald has captained the European Ryder Cup team to victories in the past two events and will now lead them for a historic third consecutive time in 2027.

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What they’re saying

“The last two Ryder Cups have meant a lot to me and my family. I didn't imagine this third time would come. Celebrating on that Sunday night in New York after a pressure packed week in a tough environment, I thought maybe my job was done. But maybe there is a little more story to tell.”

— Luke Donald, European Ryder Cup Captain (Yahoo Sports)

“This Ryder Cup Captaincy journey has given me so much focus, so much purpose and it is something I don't take for granted. It's a real privilege and I am certainly looking forward to another home Ryder Cup.”

— Luke Donald, European Ryder Cup Captain (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

The focus now turns to who will captain the U.S. team for the 2027 Ryder Cup. Tiger Woods has been mentioned as a potential candidate, but has not yet made a decision.

The takeaway

Luke Donald's appointment as a three-time consecutive European Ryder Cup captain is a historic accomplishment, underscoring his leadership and the trust placed in him by the European team. His continued stewardship will be closely watched as he aims to inspire the next generation of European golf talent.