Luke Donald to Lead European Ryder Cup Team for Third Straight Time

The Englishman will captain Europe's squad at the 100th anniversary of the competition in Ireland next year.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Luke Donald has been named the European Ryder Cup captain for the third consecutive time. The Englishman led the European team to victories in 2023 and 2024, and will now guide them at the 100th anniversary of the competition next year at Adare Manor in Ireland. Donald is only the fourth person to captain Europe in three or more straight Ryder Cups, following in the footsteps of Dai Rees, Tony Jacklin, and Bernard Gallacher.

Why it matters

The Ryder Cup is one of golf's most prestigious events, and having a consistent captain is seen as an advantage for the European team. Donald's appointment marks the first time a European captain has led the team in three straight competitions since the 1990s, underscoring his success and the trust placed in him by Ryder Cup Europe.

The details

Donald, a former world No. 1 player, first captained the European team in 2023 at Marco Simone in Rome, leading them to victory. He then guided the Europeans to another win last September at Bethpage Black in New York. Now, he will take on the challenge of leading the team at the 100th anniversary of the Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in Ireland next year.

  • Donald was appointed as the European Ryder Cup captain on March 4, 2026.
  • He previously captained the European team in 2023 and 2024, leading them to victories both times.
  • The 100th Ryder Cup will take place at Adare Manor in Ireland in 2027.

The players

Luke Donald

A former world No. 1 golfer from England who has been named the European Ryder Cup captain for the third consecutive time.

Dai Rees

The last European captain to lead the team in three or more straight Ryder Cups prior to Donald, doing so from 1955 to 1967.

Tony Jacklin

Another former European Ryder Cup captain who led the team in four consecutive competitions from 1983 to 1989.

Bernard Gallacher

The last European captain to lead the team in three straight Ryder Cups, doing so from 1991 to 1995.

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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 (wtaj.com)

“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 (wtaj.com)

What’s next

The U.S. Ryder Cup team is expected to name its next captain prior to the 2027 Masters tournament, with Tiger Woods reportedly considering the opportunity after turning it down for 2025.

The takeaway

Luke Donald's appointment as the European Ryder Cup captain for a third straight time underscores his success in the role and the trust placed in him by Ryder Cup Europe. His leadership will be crucial as the competition celebrates its 100th anniversary in Ireland next year.