As Europe celebrates another thrilling Ryder Cup victory, one big question hangs in the air—will Luke Donald return to lead the team once more, or will he step aside on a high?
The Englishman has just guided his side to back-to-back triumphs, a feat only Tony Jacklin managed in the 1980s.
Now, with the next edition set for Ireland’s Adare Manor and Tiger Woods tipped to captain the Americans, the decision becomes even more intriguing.
Donald Weighs His Options
Donald admits he’s torn.
On the one hand, he has already conquered both home and away challenges, first in Rome and now at Bethpage Black.
On the other, the chance to secure an unprecedented hat-trick of modern-era victories is sitting right in front of him.
Still, he insists he isn’t rushing into a decision.
“I feel humbled they would even mention me again,” he said.
“I won’t rule it out, but I want to enjoy this win. Honestly, it’s harder to decide now than it was two years ago.
I know people thought I was crazy going into an away Ryder Cup after Rome, but I was ready for that challenge.
Now, I don’t feel I have much more to prove. If I can help, I’ll definitely consider it.”
A Thin Pool of Successors
The dilemma is amplified by the fact that many natural successors—names like Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, and Sergio Garcia—have distanced themselves from contention due to their ties with LIV Golf.
That leaves the options surprisingly thin.
Justin Rose is a name often floated, but at 45, he’s still playing some of his best golf and may prefer competing rather than managing.
In fact, insiders suggest Rose is more likely to target captaincy from 2029 onwards, unless his playing form dips dramatically.
Lowry’s Strong Warning
Shane Lowry has made no secret of just how big a task it will be for whoever takes over.
Comparing the challenge to stepping into Sir Alex Ferguson’s shoes at Manchester United, he stressed that Donald has poured three years of his life into the captaincy and left a huge mark.
“God help whoever tries to fill those shoes,” Lowry joked.
“We were talking about it in the team room. The blueprint is there, and the tour has a good plan, but the next guy will still need to put his own stamp on it. It’s not an easy job.”
Fallout From the US Crowds
Away from the captaincy talk, much of the aftermath has focused on the behaviour of the American fans at Bethpage Black.
Former US captain Tom Watson, now 76, issued a public apology, condemning the “rude and mean-spirited behaviour” of the home crowd.
As someone who’s represented the US as both player and captain, Watson said he felt “ashamed” by what unfolded.
Lowry’s Experience on the Course
Lowry himself admitted he bore the brunt of the hostility, particularly while playing alongside Rory McIlroy.
Although things calmed down for him on the final day, he said the level of abuse from the stands left him baffled.
“I looked into the crowd, and these people were the same age as my mum and dad,” Lowry said.
“They’ve got kids and grandkids, and yet they’re shouting obscenities. I just don’t get it. Still, we were ready for it, and I think we handled it well.”
What Comes Next?
The future of Team Europe’s captaincy is now the subject of intense speculation.
Will Donald chase history and attempt a rare three-peat, or will someone else step into one of the toughest jobs in sport?
With the Americans preparing to be led by Tiger Woods on Irish soil, the stage is set for another blockbuster Ryder Cup.