Ryder Cup 2027: Luke Donald to remain Europe captain in Ireland

Donald’s reappointment always seemed like a no-brainer – certainly from the perspective of the European Ryder Cup committee trying to plot another home victory, the players who worship and admire the Englishman, and the thousands of European fans who joyfully chant “two more years” as they party at Bethpage.

The only person who needed convincing was Donald himself.

Donald brought his all to this role, arguably more than any other captain in the 99-year history of this iconic event. So it’s no surprise that he wants to rush the decision on whether to continue or not.

The morning after Europe clung to victory, Donald looked exhausted when he sat down for a BBC Sport interview.

It wasn’t a hangover from the celebrations. It was a hangover from the mental and physical exertion of the entire Bethpage loop.

What Donald had to weigh was whether he had enough energy for another 18 months of meticulous research, preparation and execution.

His leadership is characterized by warm people management and attention to detail.

How many captains regularly message a large pool of candidates to make each of them feel like an integral part of the team?

How many captains have asked for the cracks in hotel doors to be sealed because they could let too much light into the rooms and disrupt sleep?

Small movements in a macro machine. Donald built his Ryder Cup dynasty on this.

Amid Bethpage’s pint-fest, Shane Lowry noted that whoever follows Donald – whenever that may be – will need to fill a void as big as the one left by Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

If Donald manages to complete a rare Treble as Fergie did in 1999, his place in the pantheon of British sporting leaders will also be secured.