Ryder Cup: Luke Donald confirmed as Henrik Stenson’s replacement for Team Europe

By Matt Smith
Former World No. 1 Luke Donald has been named as Henrik Stenson’s replacement as the European captain for the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf Club in Rome next September.

The 44-year-old Englishman has represented Europe in the Ryder Cup four times as a player, being part of a winning team on all four occasions, and was vice-captain in the last two editions under Thomas Bjørn in 2018 and Pádraig Harrington last year.

Donald takes over from Swede Stenson after he was stripped of the captaincy 10 days ago.

“I am incredibly proud to be named European Ryder Cup captain for 2023,” said Donald on Monday after his new role was confirmed. “It is truly one of the greatest honours 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.

“Some of my best experiences in golf have been in the Ryder Cup and I would not swap those for anything. 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.

“Rome will be a fantastic host city, and I have always enjoyed spending time there. It is a city rich in history and hopefully we can create some of our own in 14 months’ time.”

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Guy Kinnings, the European Ryder Cup Director, added: “Luke is a former world No. 1 who possesses a superb Ryder Cup record, so he undoubtedly has the credentials required to be a successful European captain.

“He is hugely respected by the players and by the wider support team at Ryder Cup Europe who have already done an immense amount of work behind the scenes to give him a strong platform for the remaining 14 months before the match gets under way.

“We have continued the tradition of moving forward with players in the role of captain who have excelled in the Ryder Cup arena; and in terms of Luke, we are combining that experience with strong leadership and a meticulous approach. On behalf of everyone at Ryder Cup Europe, we look forward to fully supporting him in the quest to reclaim the Ryder Cup next year.”

Donald has wasted little time in ensuring continuity in the key backroom area of Team Europe, confirming that both existing vice-captains — Bjørn and Edoardo Molinari — will continue in their respective positions, but there was no reference made to Stenson, who was removed days before his debut victory in the LIV Golf Series event at Bedminster.

“In my opinion, it was essential that Thomas and Edoardo remained part of the team,” said Donald. “They were the first two calls I made once I got the nod to be captain and I’m delighted that they are fully on-board.”

Donald boasts a formidable playing record in the Ryder Cup, contributing 10.5 points from his 15 matches.

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Ryder Cup: Luke Donald confirmed as Henrik Stenson’s replacement for Team Europe

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