Two more years? Fans, players applaud Europe’s ‘greatest captain’ Luke Donald

FARMINGDALE – Europe captain Luke Donald was soaking up the praise from players and rivals after years of preparation paid off in a 15-13 Ryder Cup triumph on Sept 28 at Bethpage Black.

And as his triumphant team chanted “Two more years” around him, Donald did not say no.

“My answer is I’m going to enjoy tonight,” the Englishman replied.

Donald, who also guided Europe’s 2023 win at Rome, became the first captain to win back-to-back Cups since fellow Englishman Tony Jacklin in 1987.

Asked on the course after the victory about a 2027 return, Donald said: “I don’t think my heart can take two more years. We’ll see.”

The 47-year-old called it the most stressful 12 hours of his life.

Shane Lowry, who sank the cup-clinching six-foot putt on the 18th green to tie Russell Henley, heaped praise upon Donald.

“He’s the greatest captain I think that has ever lived,” Lowry said. “He’s the most amazing man in the world.”

Donald returned 11 players for the winning side in Rome for a formidable roster that included the second-ranked Rory McIlroy and Spanish star Jon Rahm.

Former world No. 1 Donald said continuity factored into their success. “I was just fortunate to have a team that knew me and trusted me. That’s all I’ve ever tried to do, is just be the best prepared I can be,” he said.

“Luke has set the bar for captaincy so extremely high,” Rahm said. “What he has done these four years is absolutely astonishing.

“He has been so professional, so dedicated, so incredibly meticulous, and well-organised and doing everything that he needs to do.

“That’s why you’ve seen the two performances you’ve seen from us. The only thing left to say from I think all of us is two more years.”

Even US captain Keegan Bradley, a friend of Donald’s, thinks his rival’s performance was amazing.

“I think he’s the best European Ryder Cup captain of all time,” the 39-year-old said. “He turned this European team into a really unstoppable force.

“He put his team in the best position to win and to do that at these two places (New York and Rome) is a remarkable feat.”

Europe took a record 11½-4½ lead in foursomes and four-ball matches and

reclaimed the Cup

despite only one singles win, by Ludvig Aberg over Patrick Cantlay, with five draws.

No team had won just once in singles since Britain in 1957.

Asked for his secret, Donald said, “Just have a good 12 guys.”

McIlroy began to explain, “No, it’s more than that. His communication skills,” before Lowry cut him off.

“Let’s not give it away,” the Irishman said.

Justin Rose noted his compatriot’s leadership skills. “The thing that’s most inspiring is to see how he’s grown as a leader as well,” the five-time Ryder Cup winner said.

“Let’s do it again in Ireland,” Lowry said of his homeland’s 2027 Cup host role at Adare Manor.

“No comment,” Donald replied.

The choice to keep him on for 2025 was met with broad approval, as he became the first repeat captain since Bernard Gallacher coached his third in a row in 1995.

“A big part of my captaincy is to create an environment where these guys are having the best weeks of their lives, honestly. We’ll always remember this,” Donald said.

“We’ll always go down in history. Future generations will talk about this team.” AFP, REUTERS