Golf

Luke Donald to be confirmed as Europe’s Ryder Cup captain next week

Henrik Stenson stepped down from captaincy duties after signing with the breakaway LIV Series

Luke Donald: set to be new Ryder Cup captain for Europe. Photograph: Oisin Keniry/Getty
Luke Donald: set to be new Ryder Cup captain for Europe. Photograph: Oisin Keniry/Getty
Ewan Murray
Thu Jul 28 2022 - 14:02

Luke Donald is expected to be confirmed as replacement for Henrik Stenson as Europe’s Ryder Cup captain early next week.

Stenson was stepped down from captaincy duties after signing with the breakaway LIV Series. While Ryder Cup Europe have offered no comment on what happens next, it is understood Donald – who had been in the frame when Stenson was appointed in March – will take on the role.

The European camp clearly believe there is sufficient time before the meeting with the United States, as arrives next September in Rome, to bed in a captain from outside of the existing structure. The qualification process, for example, is yet to be decided upon or begin.

Donald, the former world No 1, is also popular with leading European Ryder Cup players. The 44-year-old Englishman was on the winning Ryder Cup team in all four of his appearances. He served as a vice-captain to Thomas Bjorn in 2018, when Europe won the Ryder Cup in comprehensive fashion just outside Paris.

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Stenson will feature in this week’s LIV event in New Jersey. In a statement confirming his move to the Saudi Arabian-backed tour, the Swede claimed he had hoped to remain as Ryder Cup captain.

“Unfortunately my decision to play in LIV events has triggered Ryder Cup Europe to communicate that it is not possible for me to continue in my role as Ryder Cup captain,” Stenson said. “This is despite me making specific arrangements with LIV Golf, who has been supportive of my role as captain, to ensure I could fulfil the obligations of the captaincy. While I disagree with this decision for now it is a decision that I accept.”