Luke Donald drops biggest hint yet over Ryder Cup captaincy decision

Luke Donald appears to have dropped his biggest hint yet over whether he will lead Europe at the 2027 Ryder Cup in Ireland. 

Donald, 47, became the first European since Tony Jacklin to win back-to-back Ryder Cups after he oversaw the blue and gold's tenser-than-expected victory over the United States in September. 

Europe ran out 15-13 winners at Bethpage Black in New York and, just like in Rome in 2023, was immediately serenaded with chants of "Two more years!" by the 12-man team. 

Related:

• Top points scorers at Bethpage

There was an expectation that Donald was going to step aside whatever the result in the Big Apple but now he is seriously considering a third term. 

Donald is in the field for this week's World Wide Technology Championship on the PGA Tour where, unsurprisingly, he was asked about his current state of mind. 

He told Golfweek that he believes that he still wants to enjoy Europe's latest win, though he has held talks with Ryder Cup Europe chief Guy Kinnings. 

"I feel like I have climbed the mountain so to speak and I certainly have nothing left to prove," he said. "I love what it represents and am thankful for the opportunity to do it. 

"If I do it again I will probably put a hard cut that I won't do it a fourth time. I do want to play Champions Tour in two years. Timing-wise, it does work. 

"I have to talk to my family and whether it takes too much time away from them. That's a possible reason [to turn it down], and whether someone else is better suited for the job. 

"It wouldn't be from a fear of losing. If you approach anything in golf like that you're never going to get too far ahead. 

"I'm a big believer in taking opportunities when they come your way and I've taken these last two by the scruff of its neck and done very well. 

"I have to think things through a little more. That's kind of my personality."

If Donald does turn down the role then it is extremely likely that former Open champion Francesco Molinari will take the reins. 

The Italian is the older brother of Europe's cherished stats guru, Dodo, and served as one of Donald's vice-captains at Bethpage. 

Molinari told Golfweek he would be honoured to do be the captain but poured cold water on a duel captaincy role with his brother. 

"I'm struggling to think how that could work," he said. 

Telegraph Sport have reported this week that Justin Rose has pulled his name from consideration. 

Donald said he understood Rose's decision, given he was statistically Europe's best player in their at Bethpage. 

Rose partnered Tommy Fleetwood twice in the four-balls and the duo won both of their matches. 

The former World No.1 lost to Cameron Young on the final hole of their singles match, though, but now boasts an impressive overall record of 16-10-3. 

Elsewhere, LIV Golf recruit Graeme McDowell has told bunkered he is desperate to be among those considered. 

But the former US Open champion conceded it would be unlikely given his ties to the PIF-backed league.