European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald makes huge personal announcement

European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald has been made an OBE for his services to golf in the King's Birthday Honours. 

Donald, 48, masterminded Europe's victories in the biennial contest in Italy in 2023 and in the United States last September. 

The 15-13 away victory at Bethpage Black represented the first time any side in the biennial contest has won away from home since Europe's Miracle at Medinah in 2012. 

Next September, Donald will attempt to become the first person in the 100-year history of the Ryder Cup to lead a team to three consecutive wins at Adare Manor in Ireland. 

"I am very grateful to be receiving this honour," said Donald, who has won four Ryder Cups as a player.

"It is a proud moment for me, for my family and for all the people I have been fortunate to work with throughout my career, both individually and in the Ryder Cup.

"This is very much recognition of what we have achieved together. 

"That, of course, includes all the players, vice captains, caddies and staff who were part of the Ryder Cup victories in Rome and New York.

"They were special experiences, and I am determined that we go on to enjoy further success at Adare Manor next year."

Donald was appointed the skipper of the European Ryder Cup team in strange circumstances. 

Sweden's Henrik Stenson was supposed to lead the team into battle at Marco Simone, but the former Open champion was stripped of the role after joining the rival LIV Golf League. 

Donald then established himself as one of the finest captains Europe has ever had. 

Despite Team USA threatening a late comeback, Europe won the 2023 Ryder Cup by a five-point margin. 

The former world number one was expected to hand over the reins for the 2025 Ryder Cup but decided to lead the blue and gold again. 

Team Europe prevailed by the skin of their teeth last September amid a hostile crowd. 

In the immediate aftermath of victory, there were calls for Donald to lead the troops again. 

Two-time Masters champion Rory McIlroy described Donald as one of the best captains he has ever played for. 

When Donald agreed to carry on, McIlroy said: "There's not one player or one person behind the scenes that isn't thrilled Luke has agreed to come back and do it again."

Donald, who at the peak of his playing days spent 56 weeks as the top-ranked golfer, was previously awarded an MBE in 2012. 

Over a career that has spanned more than two decades, he has won seven titles on the DP World Tour and five on the PGA Tour.