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‘McIlroy got a text from the President’ – Donald on Ryder Cup celebrations & his future as captain
Luke Donald has not dismissed the possibility of serving a third term as European Ryder Cup captain, stating he will not “rush into a decision” as celebrations continue in New York.
Donald, 47, solidified his reputation as one of Europe’s most accomplished captains after orchestrating a hard-fought victory over the United States in New York.
He joins Tony Jacklin (1985 and 1987) as only the second European captain to secure back-to-back Ryder Cup wins.
“Many questioned my decision to return after our success in Rome,” Donald told BBC Sport from the team’s Long Island hotel on Monday.
“But home and away present distinct challenges, both of which I’ve now experienced.”
“A potential third term is something I’ll need to consider carefully.”
Europe is set to defend its title on home soil in 2027, with Adare Manor in Ireland hosting the competition from September 17-19.
In a comprehensive interview, Donald also:
addressed the disruptive behavior of American fans
commended the home team’s efforts to mitigate the hostility
suggested Europe has not received an apology from the hosts
admitted he feared Europe would lose at one point
revealed Rory McIlroy received a text message from Donald Trump
Should Donald lead the team in County Limerick, he would be the first European captain since Bernard Gallacher in 1995 to serve three terms.
Donald was initially appointed as a replacement before the 2023 edition after LIV Golf’s Henrik Stenson was barred from the role just over a year before the Rome contest.
Following Donald’s commanding victory on home soil, players and fans alike have urged for him to be given another term.
The chant of ‘Two more years!’ echoed as the Englishman clutched the Ryder Cup again at Bethpage on Sunday, following a closer-than-anticipated win.
The players reprised the chant during the team’s victory press conference.
“I’m humbled and grateful for the ‘two more years’ chants from the players and fans,” he said.
“I’ll never rule out a third term.
“I carefully consider every aspect of my decisions: the cost, our goals, how to achieve success, and the challenges ahead.
“I won’t rush into this decision. I want to savor this victory first.”
Justin Rose, a player at Bethpage, has been suggested as a potential successor if Donald declines to continue. Alternatively, either of the Molinari brothers – Edoardo and Francesco, both Donald’s vice-captains – could be considered if Europe decides to promote from within.
Whoever assumes the role faces a formidable task, as Jon Rahm and Shane Lowry cautioned on Sunday.
“It’s like following Sir Alex Ferguson [Manchester United football manager],” Lowry told newspaper reporters., external
“We’ve seen how that’s played out over the past 12 years. Filling his shoes will be incredibly difficult.”
Trump texts McIlroy – Europe troll US President in reply
‘In Donald we trust’ – how Europe’s ‘best-ever captain’ masterminded win
Ryder Cup fan behaviour unacceptable – McIlroy
Europe’s victory was marred by verbal abuse from a New York crowd, drawing criticism for its behavior.
American golf legend Tom Watson, an eight-time major champion and two-time US team captain (1993 and 2014), expressed his “shame” over the scenes.
“I apologize for the rude and mean-spirited behavior of our American crowd at Bethpage,” said Watson, 76.
European talisman Rory McIlroy was a prime target for the galleries, while his wife Erica was struck by a drinks cup thrown from the stands.
After securing victory on Sunday, McIlroy deemed the level of personal insults unacceptable.
BBC Sport has contacted New York State Police for figures on any arrests and ejections over the weekend.
“[The behavior] needs to be discussed and addressed,” said Donald, who praised the police officers for their handling of the volatile situation.
“I’m unsure how to control the few individuals who shout. It’s a tricky situation.
“We want to focus on playing, and the US players were great at trying to quiet the crowd.
“Many Americans expressed their embarrassment over some of their fans. It was a small subset, and I’m not sure how to control it.”
While Watson offered his apologies on social media, there has been no official apology from the US team.
However, Donald thanked his US counterpart Keegan Bradley and his players for attempting to encourage respectful behavior from the crowd.
“I believe the Americans were acting appropriately,” said Donald.
“They understand the desire for crowd support but not at the expense of vitriol against us.”
BBC Sport has contacted the PGA of America – the tournament organizer – for a response to Donald and McIlroy’s comments.
Luke Donald has captained Europe to two Ryder Cup victories
With Europe holding a commanding 11½-4½ lead heading into the Sunday singles, many anticipated a straightforward victory.
Instead, the visitors were forced to fend off the Americans as they threatened to complete the biggest comeback in Ryder Cup history.
The relief was palpable as Donald and his jubilant players celebrated with thousands of European fans gathered at Bethpage, enjoying beers in their winning press conference and spraying champagne on the putting green.
The party continued back at the team hotel with their families, caddies, and other backroom staff.
The American contingent stayed at the same hotel, where they held a separate function.
“It was the most stressful day of my life on a golf course,” said Donald, who mentioned that he finally enjoyed “a few glasses” after abstaining in the lead-up.
“I thought Rome was stressful, but this surpassed it,” he said.
“At one point, I thought we’d reach 20 points, and then I thought we were going to lose.
“It was a bizarre day.”
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