Luke Donald has been named Europe’s Ryder Cup captain, replacing Henrik Stenson who was sacked for defecting to LIV Golf.
The former world number one, who becomes the first English skipper since Sir Nick Faldo in 2008, will lead Europe's charge to win back the trophy from the United States in Rome next year.
“So excited and truly honoured to be named European Ryder Cup Captain,” Donald tweeted. “I’m really looking forward to the next 14 months & getting my team ready for Rome.”
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The 44-year-old had been considered for the role initially but was passed over when Stenson was appointed in March. Paul Lawrie and Robert Karlsson, Thomas Bjorn and Paul McGinley were also considered. It is believed that Donald will keep on Bjorn and Edoardo Molinari, who had both been named vice-captains before Stenson’s departure.
Donald has represented Europe in the Ryder Cup four times as a player, winning on all four occasions.
Sweden’s Stenson had his captaincy removed just 128 days after he was given the role due to signing a reported £40m contract with the Saudi Arabian-backed LIV series. On Sunday, Stenson bagged a cool £3.3m winner's cheque with a two-stroke victory in his first LIV appearance at Bedminster in New Jersey.
The 2023 Ryder Cup will take place in the Italian capital at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club from September 29 to October 1, 2023.
*18+ | BeGambleAware
