Farmingdale (United States) (AFP) – Europe captain Luke Donald was soaking up the praise from players and rivals after years of preparation paid off in a 15-13 Ryder Cup triumph Sunday at Bethpage Black. And as his triumphant team chanted, “Two more years” around him, Donald didn’t say no. “My answer is I’m going to enjoy tonight,” the Englishman replied.
Donald, who also guided Europe’s 2023 win at Rome, became the first captain to win back-to-back Cups since English compatriot Tony Jacklin in 1987. Asked on the course after the victory about a 2027 return, Donald said, “I don’t think my heart can take two more years. We’ll see.”
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Shane Lowry, who sank the Cup-clinching six-foot putt on the 18th green to tie Russell Henley, heaped praise upon Donald. “He’s the greatest captain I think that has ever lived,” Lowry said. “He’s the most amazing man in the world. Honestly, he has done the best job.”
Donald returned 11 players for the winning side in Rome for a formidable roster that included second-ranked Rory McIlroy and Spanish star Jon Rahm. “Luke has set the bar for captaincy so extremely high,” Rahm said. “What he has done these four years is absolutely astonishing. He has been so professional, so dedicated, so incredibly meticulous, and well organized and doing everything that he needs to do.”
“That’s why you’ve seen the two performances you’ve seen from us. He’s the leader of the ship and he’s definitely led us the right way. The only thing left to say from I think all of us is two more years.” Even US captain Keegan Bradley, a friend of Donald, thinks his rival’s performance was amazing. “I think he’s the best European Ryder Cup Captain of all time,” Bradley said. “He turned this European team into a really unstoppable force. He put his team in the best position to win and to do that at these two places (New York and Rome) is a remarkable feat.”
Europe took a record 11.5-4.5 lead in foursomes and four-ball matches and reclaimed the Cup despite only one singles win, by Ludvig Aberg over Patrick Cantlay, with four draws. No team had won just once in singles since Britain in 1957. Asked his secret, Donald said, “Just have a good 12 guys.” McIlroy began to explain, “No, it’s more than that. His communication skills…” before Lowry cut him off. “Let’s not give it away,” Lowry said. “How about that?”
England’s Justin Rose noted Donald’s leadership skills. “The thing that’s most inspiring is to see how he’s grown as a leader as well,” Rose said. “I think over the course of four years, there has been a bit more commitment to himself and to the team. It has been unbelievable to witness.”
“Let’s do it again in Ireland,” Lowry said of his homeland’s 2027 Cup host role. “No comment,” Donald replied.
© 2024 AFP
