Luke Donald has confirmed that he will remain Europe’s Ryder Cup captain for Adare Manor in 2027.
The Englishman had been mulling over the decision since Europe won in New York last September.
His announcement has been well-received by fans and players, with excitement building over Europe’s title defence next year.
The 48-year-old will also be looking to become the first man to win three consecutive Ryder Cups as captain.
The Golfing Gazette assesses the potential winners and losers of Donald’s decision to stay on as European captain.
- READ MORE: Brandel Chamblee shares how he honestly feels about Tiger Woods being US Ryder Cup captain in 2027
What do you think about Luke Donald’s appointment?
Biggest losers from Luke Donald staying on as Europe’s Ryder Cup captain
Francesco and Edoardo Molinari
The Molinari brothers (Francesco and Edoardo) are perhaps the biggest losers from Donald’s announcement.
Having been vice captains in New York, they were both among the leading contenders to replace Donald if he stepped down.
Now, they would probably never admit it, but they must be disappointed that neither of them will captain the team in Ireland.
Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods is currently deciding whether to be the next captain of the United States Ryder Cup team.
A fierce competitor, Tiger will not be too scared to face Donald, but his team would be significant underdogs at Adare Manor.
The last thing Woods needs is for his US team to lose to Europe in 2027, with Donald becoming a three-time winning captain.
PGA of America
The PGA of America have been shown up once again by the European team’s efficient decision-making.
After the Keegan Bradley debacle last year, the USA have given their opposition another head start in preparing for the Ryder Cup.
While Donald gets to work ahead of 2027, the US team still does not know who their next captain will be.
Tony Jacklin
Apart from Donald, Tony Jacklin is the only European captain to win back-to-back Ryder Cups (1987 and 1989).
He will surely want Europe to win at Adare Manor, but another victory for Donald would leave him behind.
Donald has a golden opportunity to become definitively Europe’s greatest Ryder Cup captain of all time next year.
Should Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton be allowed to play at the 2027 Ryder Cup?
Biggest winners from Luke Donald staying on as Europe’s Ryder Cup captain
Justin Rose
Golf fans have learned not to doubt Justin Rose after his heroics at the 2025 Ryder Cup, but Father Time is undefeated.
The 45-year-old will inevitably decline at some point, but his place in the next European team seems more assured now.
Donald will probably rely on his fellow Englishman for one more Ryder Cup as long as he is in the frame for a captain’s pick.
Jon Rahm
Jon Rahm’s relationship with the DP World Tour could be in tatters after his latest comments at a LIV Golf press conference.
However, Donald has a strong relationship with the Spaniard and could be a bridge between the two sides of the argument.
Donald has never had an issue with picking LIV golfers, so Rahm’s position in the team will likely not be under threat.
Filip Jakubcik
Filip Jakubcik will not be familiar to most golf fans, but neither was Ludvig Aberg when Donald selected him in 2023.
Having taken a punt on Aberg three years ago, perhaps Donald would be willing to do it again for another up-and-coming talent.
Jakubcik is currently the fifth-ranked amateur in the world after winning the European Amateur and two other events in the last 12 months.
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
