Five reasons why Luke Donald simply must continue Ryder Cup captaincy
GolfMagic explores the reasons why Luke Donald simply must captain Team Europe at the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in New York.
There is no doubt Luke Donald will go down as a good captain for Team Europe after reclaiming the Ryder Cup in Italy.
But the Englishman could do down as one of the greats if he were to do the improbable and lead the blue and gold to victory at the bearpit of Bethpage Black in two years' time.
The Ryder Cup has followed a familiar pattern in recent years. The past five editions of the contest have been blowouts to the home team.
Team USA romped Europe 19-9 in Wisconsin off the back of Europe's domination in Paris. Before that, Davis Love III led Team USA to a resounding six-point victory at Hazeltine after Corey Pavin's red, white and blue were defeated comfortably at Gleneagles.
There has been some talk that perhaps a neutral venue should be introduced, but it seems unlikely the idea will gather steam.
I'll be honest: I'm not keen on that. Neither is the most recent U.S. captain Zach Johnson.
"No, I don't think any changes need to be made," he said in defeat. "I think that's the beauty of the cup.
"There's something special about coming over here and having to fight because it's hard, and I like the fight and I like the hard. So I wouldn't change anything."
After putting his feet up in a victorious press conference in September, Rory McIlroy claimed Europe will win at Bethpage Black.
He's a brave man, knowing that he is likely to be targeted by the New York crowds in 2025.
Is McIlroy right to be so bullish? Surely the home advantage has to end one day.
If Europe are to win at Bethpage, they will need the right man at the helm.
The call may ultimately be for Donald to make. He may decide not to risk his legacy.
But here are five reasons why he should lead Team Europe once again:
A calm head in a heated atmosphere
Before the LIV drama, it was widely expected Phil Mickelson would lead Team USA against a European side spearheaded by Ian Poulter.
The landscape of men's professional golf promises to change considerably before the next contest, so all could be forgiven and the Englishman could be welcomed back into the fold.
Should Poulter get the opportunity he so desperately craves in the future then Bethpage Black may not be the right venue for him.
Justin Rose made an interesting point about Poults in an interview with Telegraph Sport.
Rose said: "It's New York and it's going to be loud, isn't it?
"We always thought that Poults would have the gumption to go there and front down the crowd, but think about it, Luke's quiet demeanour could be the answer, diffusing the situation rather than antagonising it.
Continuity
Europe have clearly mastered the art of winning on home territory. Luke Donald cannot take credit for this as he is not the first captain to lean in on stats, the course set-up and the importance of creating strong bonds off the course.
But he does deserve the opportunity to build a side around Jon Rahm, Viktor Hovland and Rory McIlroy.
Continuity was integral to Team USA's victory at Whistling Straits after the formation of a 'leadership group'.
Davis Love III has spoken of this.
"The role of the vice captains has changed so much since 2014," he previously said.
"We made it more of a defined role that isn't just 'show up at the Ryder Cup and help out.' It's a year-round job."
Europe are acutely aware of the importance of continuity.
The players want him
Donald was serenaded with chants of 'two more years' as the champagne flowed at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club.
It's clear the group loved every minute of the experience and the former World No.1 created a contented and harmonious group.
"Everything he told us just made us believe we're going to beat them," McIlroy later said.
"He's probably the first captain since Paul McGinley, for me, who's really set us up for success.
"I've always said McGinley was hands down the best captain I've played under, but Luke was a close second to that. Luke treated it like a full-time job, just like McGinley did, just like Thomas Bjorn did."
Winning Ryder Cup captains deserve to have the opportunity to win away from home
Again, would it be so unreasonable to suggest that a winning Ryder Cup captain should have the opportunity to decide if they would like another crack?
Donald has certainly earned the right to decide.
The aforementioned Rose also raised another interesting point.
"I've always thought it a little crazy that we have these guys who do great as captain, gather all this experience and knowledge – and then someone else comes in and has to learn how to do it himself," he said.
"No other sport would do that, in such a big competition, would it?"
Other than the LIV golfers, who else is there to take the reins?
Of course there are an abundance of Ryder Cup legends who are viable candidates. Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, Henrik Stenson, Graeme McDowell and Sergio Garcia should all be in the reckoning.
But it could be argued some the LIV golfers may feel upset at the treatment they received after joining the breakaway that they won't want to take the role in the future. Who knows.
Justin Rose has already ruled himself out. Francesco Molinari is an option. Francesco's brother Edoardo - the stats guru - also doesn't want to be at the helm.
That doesn't leave a huge list of names, does it?
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