PARIS, France (AFP) — Luke Donald was named on Monday as captain of Europe’s 2023 Ryder Cup team, replacing Henrik Stenson who was stripped of the honor last month after joining the controversial Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series.
Donald, a 44-year-old Englishman, represented Europe in four Ryder Cups as a player. He was part of the winning team each time, including the “Miracle at Medinah” in 2012.
He was also a vice-captain in the last two editions of the biennial contest, under Thomas Bjorn in 2018 and Padraig Harrington last year.
“I am incredibly proud to be named European Ryder Cup captain for 2023,” said the former world number one.
“It is truly one of the greatest honors that can be bestowed upon a golfer, to lead a team of your peers and be an ambassador for an entire continent.”
“I feel extremely privileged to have been given that responsibility and it is a responsibility I do not take lightly.”
The USA hold the Ryder Cup following their comfortable 19-9 victory at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin last year.
The 2023 competition will be held in Guidonia, just outside Rome, in 2023, the first time the cup will have been contested in Italy.
“Some of my best experiences in golf have been in the Ryder Cup and I would not swap those for anything,” Donald said.
“It is an event like no other and I cannot wait to create more special memories in Italy next year.”
“I love everything the Ryder Cup embodies, from the camaraderie and companionship of being part of a team, to the history of the contest, but most of all playing for something bigger than yourself.”