Donald in Dubai and to discuss Adare Manor in 2027
Potential captain Justin Rose expected still to play
Luke Donald will hold talks with senior officials at the European Tour Group this week in Dubai, as the Englishman edges closer to a third stint as Europe’s Ryder Cup captain. While no announcement is imminent, there is a rising sense Donald will seek to make history by leading Europe to three Ryder Cup successes in a row.
Donald, who is in the field for this weekend’s Dubai Desert Classic, has taken time to consider his position since Europe retained the trophy at Bethpage in September. The former world No 1 had already been the captain when Europe prevailed in Rome two years earlier. “I think it’s Luke’s if he wants it,” said Shane Lowry, a key member of the European team. The next Ryder Cup takes place at Adare Manor next year.
Uppermost in Donald’s thoughts is the commitment required for a third tenure, placed against his family life. There is also an element of golf politics at play. A date is still to be set for Tyrrell Hatton and Jon Rahm to have an appeal heard against sanctions implemented by the European Tour Group for their participation in LIV Golf. That scenario has potential to be both messy and extremely relevant in Ryder Cup context, with Rahm in particular believed have no intention of paying fines. Hatton and Rahm would ordinarily be central to a European Ryder Cup defence.
