The 45-year-old Englishman returns to the role having led Europe to a 16½-11½ victory at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Rome in October.
He will become Europe’s first repeat captain since Bernard Gallacher performed the role in three consecutive Ryder Cups in 1991, 1993 and 1995, and he will be aiming to become only the second captain to lead Europe to victories both home and away following Tony Jacklin who achieved the double at Muirfield Village in Ohio in 1987 following his team’s victory two years previously at The Belfry in 1985.
Donald said: “I’m delighted and honoured to have been given the chance to lead Team Europe in the Ryder Cup once again. Great opportunities don’t come along very often in life and I’m a great believer that when they do, you need to grab them with both hands – this is one of these moments. I’ve been fortunate as a player to have had many amazing times in the Ryder Cup over the years and so to add being a winning Captain to that, to form bonds with the 12 players like we did in Italy and to get the result we did, was very special indeed.
“The Ryder Cup means so much to me, so to be captain again and have the chance to create more history by becoming only the second European captain to win back-to-back is exciting. There is no question that being a captain away from home is a tough task. But I have never shied away from challenges throughout my career and it is precisely the kind of thing that motivates me. I can’t wait to get another 12-strong team to Bethpage in 2025.”
Guy Kinnings, Executive Director – Ryder Cup, said: “Luke was a superb captain in Rome and we are delighted that he will be returning to the role for the 2025 Ryder Cup in New York. He demonstrated clear, calm and meticulous leadership skills in Rome, and all those qualities will be big assets again for Luke and Team Europe as they take on the considerable challenge of trying to retain the Ryder Cup against a strong US team backed by passionate support in New York.”
