Europe captain Luke Donald soaked up the praise from players and rivals alike after years of meticulous planning paid off with a 15-13 Ryder Cup triumph at Bethpage Black.
As his jubilant team chanted “Two more years” around him, the Englishman kept his cards close to his chest.
“My answer is I’m going to enjoy tonight,” Donald said with a smile.
Donald, who also led Europe to victory in Rome in 2023, became the first captain since Tony Jacklin in 1987 to win back-to-back Cups.
Asked if he would return in 2027, Donald quipped: “I don’t think my heart can take two more years. We’ll see.”
Shane Lowry, who holed the Cup-clinching six-footer to halve his match with Russell Henley, was glowing in his assessment.
“He’s the greatest captain that has ever lived,” Lowry said. “Honestly, he has done the best job.”
World No 2 Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm echoed the sentiment.
“Luke has set the bar for captaincy so high,” Rahm said. “He has been so professional, so dedicated, so meticulous and organised. That’s why you’ve seen the two performances from us. He’s the leader of the ship, and we’ve followed.”
Even US skipper Keegan Bradley, a close friend, was quick to tip his cap.
“I think he’s the best European Ryder Cup captain of all time,” Bradley said. “He put his team in the best position to win, and to do that in Rome and New York is remarkable.”
Europe surged to a record 11.5-4.5 lead across foursomes and four-balls, reclaiming the Cup despite winning only one singles match on Sunday – Ludvig Åberg’s victory over Patrick Cantlay – with four halved matches.
It was the first time since 1957 that a winning team managed only one singles triumph.
Donald downplayed any secret formula.
“Just have a good 12 guys,” he said with a grin.
McIlroy started to explain further: “No, it’s more than that. His communication skills …” before Lowry cut in: “Let’s not give it away.”
Veteran Justin Rose highlighted how Donald had evolved over his two captaincies.
“The most inspiring thing is seeing how he has grown as a leader,” Rose said. “The commitment to himself and to the team over these four years has been unbelievable.”
Lowry was quick to look ahead to the next edition at Adare Manor in 2027.
“Let’s do it again in Ireland,” he said.
Donald, once again, kept his answer short: “No comment.”
Photo: Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images
Article Link: Donald hailed after masterminding Ryder Cup win