Luke Donald is a two-time Ryder Cup winning captain having won out at Bethpage Black in dramatic fashion.
Team Europe looked to be cruising to a win but the US team turned things on its head as they stormed into a big comeback.
At one point, it looked like the US might actually do it, but a point for Ludvig Aberg and then some crucial halves from Matt Fitzpatrick and then crucially, Shane Lowry, proved enough for Europe to win out.
For Donald, he becomes the first captain to win on US soil since Jose Maria Olazabal headed up the ‘Miracle in Medinah’ back in 2012.
Of course, things were closer than anyone ever expected at Bethpage this time around and speaking after things had wrapped up, Donald had some words for his counterpart, Keegan Bradley.
Luke Donald comments on Keegan Bradley as Europe win the Ryder Cup
Donald was right into the interview action after seeing his team win out and he was, as expected, delighted and emotional.
However, in keeping with his classy nature, he was quick to praise both Bradley and the Americans.
“It’s got to be the most stressful 12 hours of my life. Shout out to Keegan and the American team, we knew they would be tough. I did not think they would be this tough. On Sunday they fought so hard, so all the respect to them,” Donald said.
“But this means a lot. We came here knowing that the task was going to be very difficult. I could not be more proud of these guys and what they have gone through. How they have come together, how they are playing for history.
“How they are playing for the people who came before them and now they will be talked about for generations to come as someone who will go down in history. I could not be more proud.”
Asked about any changes he had made since Rome, Donald admitted things had been different but at the same time, he knew he had a team who trusted him.
“Having a repeat captain, I was fortunate to have a team who knew and trusted me. All I have ever tried to do is be the best prepared I can be. So many different things have gone into this. Dealing with the environment and the communication with the players. But so happy for them.”
Luke Donald writes his name into golfing history
Luke Donald has been so good as European captain and it is plain to see that his players love and respect him.
Right now, there is a strong argument for him to return in 2027 and lead the team in Europe once again as he bids to win a trifecta.
Asked afterwards if he’d fancy the stint again, he simply replied “I think I am going to enjoy tonight first!”.
But even if Donald doesn’t take the third on, he has still written his legacy. A former world number one and now a double Ryder Cup winning captain.
When all is said and done, he will go down as one of the true greats.
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