Luke Donald makes feelings clear on facing Tiger – Sports News
Luke Donald did not precisely maintain back when requested whether or not facing Tiger Woods as Team USA’s Ryder Cup captain in 2027 would affect his future.
But earlier than addressing Woods, who struggled in his Ryder Cup appearances after a controversial comment, the European skipper mirrored on what his facet had simply achieved at Bethpage Black in New York – a win that cemented his place in Ryder Cup historical past.
Europe’s 15–13 victory over Team USA marked their first Ryder Cup triumph on American soil since 2012, achieved within an intensely aggressive and high-stakes setting that witnessed a number of golfers, together with Rory McIlroy, being subjected to verbal abuse from jeering spectators in a disgraceful show.
Donald’s squad established a dominant 11.5–4.5 benefit over the opening two days, then withstood a decided Sunday rally from Keegan Bradley’s Americans to assert the trophy. “We did what we tried to do… to be the fifth team to win away,” Donald mentioned. “It was a special moment.”
Inevitably, inquiries shifted to his future prospects. Would he ponder guiding Europe as soon as more in 2027? Donald confessed it wasn’t at present on his radar, however he acknowledged the importance of such a selection.
“It hasn’t even crossed my mind,” he mentioned. “I’m super humbled… If someone asks me to, I won’t rule it out, but I want to enjoy this one.”
And when Tiger Woods’ identify was talked about, Donald remained unfazed. “I don’t think so,” he mentioned of whether or not Woods’ involvement would affect his decision-making course of.
“I think you’re doing the capacity for what you can bring to your team. Tiger is obviously a massive name in the game. I don’t think it’s going to make the Ryder Cup any bigger with Tiger there. The Ryder Cup is massive already. I don’t think it would play into my considerations too much.”
Donald has beforehand expressed an understanding of why Woods selected to not take on the Team USA captaincy. Before 2025, he publicly backed Woods’ determination, saying: “It’s certainly a role that takes up a lot of time and commitment, and he obviously doesn’t feel like he can do that. I’m sure he will be a captain at some point down the road.”
Only after fielding the future-facing questions did Donald enable himself to smile in regards to the speedy previous. He described the bus experience back from Bethpage as “always fun,” however what stood out more was a custom he launched in 2023: gathering your entire staff in a personal locker room after the press convention.
“We just sat together as a team and talked about what this means,” he mentioned. From there, the celebration continued back on the lodge, offering an alternative for gamers, vice-captains, and households to unwind after an exhausting week.
Donald’s general staff document, as half of Team Europe, whether or not as participant or captain, is now 6 wins, 0 losses – which means he has by no means skilled defeat in a Ryder Cup competitors. He grew to become one of solely two captains in Ryder Cup historical past to secure victories each home and away, matching Tony Jacklin in that achievement.
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