As the 2025 Ryder Cup approaches, European captain Luke Donald must decide who will serve as his deputies at Bethpage Black.
The former world number one, as documented brilliantly in the recent Una Famiglia film released on YouTube, got his vice-captain picks spot on in Rome.
Thomas Bjorn, Edoardo Molinari, Nicolas Colsaerts, Jose Maria Olazabal and Francesco Molinari contributed a blend of experience and passion that was crucial to Europe’s success at Marco Simone.
However, with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and the DP World Tour in talks over a merger agreement, Europe’s LIV Golf rebels could soon be available for selection with outstanding fines and sanctions potentially written off.
Ian Poulter is a player who would relish the chance to be part of Donald’s backroom staff. Yet, right now, Poulter doesn’t want to make peace with the DP World Tour.
Another star of yesteryear who would be desperate to take part is 2010 US Open winner Graeme McDowell.
What Graeme McDowell has said to Tyrrell Hatton about the Ryder Cup
Fines and sanctions accumulated during McDowell’s LIV Golf career have likely ended any hope of him returning to the European team in a playing role.
The Northern Irishman, however, is still desperate to be Donald’s vice-captain in New York and would even pay for the pleasure. Speaking to Bunkered, McDowell revealed what he recently told Tyrrell Hatton about helping Europe next September.
“I told Tyrrell Hatton a couple days ago I’d pay money to be a vice-captain at Bethpage,” McDowell said. “I’d love to help the European Tour. I’d love to be there, support the guys and be able to give some of my experience and my knowledge to some of the young guys who might need it.
“There’s obviously plenty of guys who don’t need my help but I enjoy the leadership side of the vice-captaincy. I’ve done it twice and took it very seriously both times and enjoyed it both times.”
Will Graeme McDowell be part of Europe’s Ryder Cup team?
Unless a resolution is found between the DP World Tour and the PIF, it isn’t easy to envisage McDowell playing a part on Long Island.
Furthermore, with Donald’s close-knit team working so well in Rome, the Englishman may resort to what’s try-and-tested.
“Bethpage is probably a long shot because so much politically has to happen between now and then,” McDowell went on to acknowledge. “Regardless of whether or not I’m in Luke’s backroom staff, I’ll be supporting them, but I would jump at the chance to get that opportunity.”
Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton are currently negotiating with the DP World Tour to ensure they can compete in the Ryder Cup, separate from McDowell’s situation. The two golfers have appealed their sanctions to retain their membership, but similar issues may arise during the 2025 season.
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