Luke Donald role confirmed as Europe announce break from Ryder Cup tradition

Donald becomes the first repeat captain since 1995 and will lead Europe at Bethpage Black in 2025

Luke Donald led Europe to victory over the USA in Rome (Getty)

Luke Donald will captain Europe at the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, where he will become the team’s first repeat captain in 30 years.

Donald masterminded Europe’s stunning victory against the United States in Rome earlier this year and was backed by the players to retain the role ahead of 2025.

It represents a break from tradition, however, and the Englishman is the first European captain to be reappointed since Bernard Gallagher oversaw three Ryder Cups in a row between 1991 and 1995.

Donald, who was only named Europe’s captain ahead of 2023 when Henrik Stenson was sacked for joining LIV Golf, will now attempt to become the first Ryder Cup captain to win both home and away since 1987 as he takes charge of a second consecutive contest.

Europe have not won away to the USA since the “Miracle at Medinah” in 2012 but Europe’s players made their feelings known when they chanted “two more years” following their five-point victory in Rome back in September.

The 45-year-old said: “I’m delighted and honoured to have been given the chance to lead Team Europe in the Ryder Cup once again.

“Great opportunities don’t come along very often in life and I’m a great believer that when they do, you need to grab them with both hands. This is one of these moments.

“I’ve been fortunate as a player to have had many amazing times in the Ryder Cup over the years and so to add being a winning captain to that, to form bonds with the 12 players like we did in Italy and to get the result we did, was very special indeed.

Luke Donald has been reappointed after masterminding a commanding win in Rome earlier this year (PA)

“The Ryder Cup means so much to me, so to be captain again and have the chance to create more history by becoming only the second European captain to win back-to-back is exciting.

“There is no question that being a captain away from home is a tough task. But I have never shied away from challenges throughout my career and it is precisely the kind of thing that motivates me.

“I can’t wait to get another 12-strong team to Bethpage in 2025.”

It has been common practice since 1997 that the captain only takes charge of one tournament, no matter how successful they are, but other potential candidates such as former Ryder Cup heroes Ian Poulter, Luke Westwood and Sergio Garcia also joined LIV Golf.

Donald was a popular captain with the Europe team and Rory McIlroy said after September’s victory: “I think everyone sitting here would be very happy to have him again.”

In the immediate aftermath of Europe’s win, Donald said he would consider the role and the former World No 1 will now prepare for the challenge of beating the USA away from home.

"Obviously going over there in New York, which would be a real cauldron, those fans are extremely passionate,” he said. “It would be a really, really tough environment. If I was to do this job, and I was to go over there and win, that would be some accomplishment."