The European players called for “two more years” of Luke Donald as Ryder Cup captain after victory in Rome and the Englishman says he would consider staying on for the 2025 edition in New York; Justin Rose and Edoardo Molinari are among contenders to take the lead, as Tiger Woods rushes to skipper USA
Last updated: 02/10/23 11:53 am
After masterminding the European success at the Ryder Cup in Rome, the temptation must be great for Luke Donald to take charge again in New York in 2025.
“It’s something I would have to think about. Of course I would consider it,” the Englishman said Sky Sports News a day after Europe’s victory over the US (16.5-11.5).
“I’m trying to enjoy this moment now, enjoy this victory, and then we’ll see what happens in the future. Maybe I’ll go out and leave a legacy as a winning Ryder Cup captain and risk that not.
“Obviously, me going there in New York, which would be a real kettle of fish, those fans are extremely passionate. It would be a very, very difficult environment. If I did this job, and I went there and won That would be quite an achievement.”
“Two more years” were the words Donald’s players chanted before lifting the Ryder Cup on Sunday night, with Rory McIlroy leading the call for the 45-year-old to go back-to-back.
“I think everyone sitting here would be very happy to have him again,” said the world number 2, who won four of five points at Marco Simone Golf Club.
“Quiet confidence is what Luke has been this week. He doesn’t have to say a lot of words. The words he says have an impact. He’s been great.”
World No. 3 Jon Rahm added of Donald: “He’s done an incredible job as captain. He’s a great man for his job and it will be hard to live up to. He set the bar very high.”
‘Edoardo Molinari a genius when it comes to statistics’
Should Donald – who only became Ryder Cup captain in 2023 after Henrik Stenson was sacked following his move to LIV Golf – manage Europe at Bethpage Black, he would be the first man to captain consecutive tournaments since Bernard Gallacher in 1995.
If Donald decides not to risk his legacy, perhaps Europe can go there Edoardo Molinariwho served as vice-captain in his native Italy and had his analytical brain praised by Viktor Hovland.
“He is the genius when it comes to statistics. It is very rare to have someone who has so much expertise and competence,” Hovland said of Molinari ahead of the Ryder Cup.
“He is very intelligent, but at the same time he has played at the highest level himself. He has played a Ryder Cup (in 2010). He has won major events.
“Plus, he’s just the best guy around. He’s an incredible guy and he’s just a lot of fun to be around.”
Edoardo Molinari (left) could be a contender to lead Team Europe at the 2025 Ryder Cup in New York
Edoardo’s younger brother Francesco could also be an option. He too was vice-captain in Rome, has won all three Ryder Cups he has played in and led continental Europe to victory over Great Britain and Ireland in the Hero Cup earlier this year.
Justin Rose could also be a candidate, but he still hopes to play in New York at age 45. The 2027 event in Ireland could be its time.
It will be interesting to see if LIV stars Stenson, Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, Graeme McDowell and Sergio Garcia come into contention as the rifts within golf begin to fade following the merger between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and the Saudi Public Investment Fund. .
Who will lead America?
That Tiger guy maybe…
Tiger Woods won the US Open at Bethpage in 2002, while he was successful as captain of the USA at the Presidents Cup in 2019, when his side recorded a 16-14 victory over the rest of the world.
Tiger Woods won the 2002 US Open at Bethpage. Could he now be captain of a Ryder Cup team there in 2025?
Woods’ playing days in the Ryder Cup are likely over as he continues to be hampered by injuries sustained in a car accident in February 2021, but he appears to be one of the favorites to be captain in 2025.
Stewart Cink, Fred Couples and Jim Furyk were among Zach Johnson’s replacements in Rome and were able to go a step further. Steve Stricker was another of Johnson’s lieutenants in Italy and after leading the US to a 19-9 win at Whistling Straits in 2021, he could be an attractive proposition.
Then there’s Phil Mickelson. The six-time champion’s LIV connections make him unlikely to be considered, but it would certainly be a box office deal as the US look to bounce back from a seventh consecutive away Ryder Cups defeat with a secure their third victory on home turf.
Where now the Ryder Cup?
The next edition will take place at Bethpage Black from 26-28 September 2025, while the next home tournament will take place in 2027 at Adare Manor in County Limerick, Ireland.