“A Great Captain:” After a Glorious Spell at the Helm, Luke Donald Finds Another Strong Backer in Former Ryder Cup Captain

Luke Donald became the blue-eyed boy for every European fan after he led the team to a swaggering victory in this year’s Ryder Cup. The 45-year-old’s captaincy and boldness have made him quite popular with golf fans and the team.

Even before the Ryder Cup ended, there were already calls for keeping him for two more years. He was the favorite of both fans and players. Although the British pro could do without any more backing for his captaincy, support keeps coming his way. This time, a former Ryder Cup captain and five-time Cup winner stamps his seal of approval.

Former Ryder Cupper feels there is no one better than Luke Donald

Pádraig Harrington is also a great admirer of Donald’s captaincy. The duo has worked together before, at the last edition of the Ryder Cup. Although the Whistling Straits outing was a nightmare for Europe, as they lost by a record margin, Harrington saw early signs of greatness in Luke Donald, his then-vice captain. “I knew Luke would do a great job. He was my vice captain, and he was great in the job.”

The three-time major winner feels the British captain would be the ideal pick for the next edition as well. Notably, Europe hasn’t won a Ryder Cup on the road since winning in Oakland Hills in 2004, a victory that Harrington relished from inside the ropes.

So, the energy that Donald brought to the team this year will be instrumental if Europe seeks to change the course of history in 2025. “He’d be a great captain again in Bethpage,” the Irish golfer said confidently while speaking to the Irish Golfer.

Despite his support, Harrington admits it won’t be a turkey shoot like this year. “It’s just difficult to win. It’s just difficult being an away captain, but I think Bethpage would be the toughest one ever.” Nonetheless, he feels Donald is the man for the job, as he enjoys overwhelming support from the players as well.

Donald has no dearth of admirers on the European team

Although Luke Donald drew a lot of flak before the patriotic showdown, his players answered for him. Snubbing veterans didn’t sit well with many, but the infusion of young blood delivered the trophy with a thumping victory.

Read More: Amid Rousing ‘Inexperienced’ Claims, Luke Donald Follows in the Footsteps of Rory McIlroy to Shut Down Skeptics: ‘They Are Fearless’

Unsurprisingly, players were chanting Donald’s name for two more years at the helm. Rory McIlroy has endorsed the Ryder Cup captain as well. Just days ago, Justin Rose expressed his wish to be a part of the 2025 European team under Luke Donald.

Only time will tell when Europe travels to the other side of the Atlantic who will be helming the ship. But, without a doubt, Luke Donald’s name will be at the top of the list.

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