The Englishman Luke Donald has been named this Monday captain of the European team for the 2023 Ryder Cup, which will be played at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome from September 25 to September 1. October next year.
Luke Donald, who became number one in the world, replaces the Swedish Henrik Stenson, removed for joining the new LIV Golf circuit, sponsored by Saudi Arabia.
Donald has represented Europe in the Ryder Cup four times as a player. He was part of a winning team on all four occasions, including in 2012, when he led the team in the singles to give the first point in the so-called “Miracle of Medinah”.
Luke Donald, 44, has also served as vice-captain in the last two editions of the biennial competition, with Denmark’s Thomas Bjørn in 2018 and Ireland’s Pádraig Harrington last year.
On his Twitter feed, Donlad says he is “excited and truly honored” to be named captain, adding that he is “looking forward to preparing the team for Rome.”
Henrik Stenson was stripped of the captaincy after only 127 days because he signed a contract with LIV Golf, in which he made his debut last week with victory in Bedminster, New Jersey (USA).
Luke Donald is the first English captain since Nick Faldo, who led the losing team in 2008. He has seven titles on the European Tour for a total of 17 as a professional. He was world number one for 56 weeks.