Ryder Cup 2023: Europe’s players want Luke Donald as captain for 2025 in United States2nd October 2023

Europe’s Ryder Cup players chanted “two more years” at Luke Donald as they implored him to stay on and captain the side for the 2025 edition in New York.

Bernard Gallacher was the last European to serve consecutive terms – losing two and winning once between 1991-1995.

“Luke has done an unbelievable job and would be difficult to live up to. He’s set the bar so high,” said Jon Rahm.

Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy added: “I think everyone sitting here would be very happy to have him again.”

Shane Lowry, Matt Fitzpatrick and Tommy Fleetwood were among the players to chant “two more years” at Donald, as the triumphant European captain began his speech at the trophy presentation.

Donald, 45, was only offered the captaincy after Henrik Stenson was ousted from the post when he joined LIV Golf.

He is not certain to still be in the role when Europe travel to Bethpage Black in New York in two years, despite orchestrating a superb response to Europe’s record 19-9 defeat at Whistling Straits in 2021.

The Englishman was keen to avoid discussing the topic during Europe’s winning news conference before saying – when egged on by his players – he had not “been asked yet” to do a second stint.

“Quiet confidence is what Luke has been this week,” added four-time major champion McIlroy, who top-scored for Europe with four points.

“He doesn’t have to say many words. The words that he does say are impactful and he’s been amazing this week.”

Fleetwood added: “We’re all so proud of him. From when this whole process started, he’s been so, so good. The way he’s been this week has been phenomenal. We just look at Luke on another level.”

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