Luke Donald not ruling out third term as European Ryder Cup captain

Luke Donald has not ruled leading Europe at the 2027 Ryder Cup. 

The Englishman sealed his place as one of Europe's greatest ever captains after masterminding an absorbing 15-13 away victory over the United States at Bethpage Black in September. 

It meant he became only the second European captain - after Tony Jacklin in 1985 and 1987 - to win back-to-back Ryder Cups. 

Former World No.1 Donald, 47, was always expected to step aside and hand over the reins to Justin Rose or potentially one of the Molinari brothers whatever the result was in New York. 

But now there are calls for Donald to create even more history and become the first European captain to serve three terms since Bernard Gallacher in 1995.

Edoardo Molinari, the older brother of former Open champion Francesco, has ruled himself out succeeding Donald. 

The stats guru conceded he "lacked charisma" for the top job but he would be very happy to serve Europe again as a vice captain. 

"I'm still trying to enjoy this one," Donald told reporters in Delhi ahead of the inaugural DP World India Championship when asked if he had made his mind up yet. 

Donald and several members of his winning Ryder Cup team are teeing it up this week. They include Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, Shane Lowry and Viktor Hovland. 

"If I'm not a captain in two years' time and the captain wants me to be there, then I'm sure I would be happy to help him in any way he wanted," Donald added. 

Asked how it feels to be referred to as Europe's greatest captain, Donald replied: "It's pretty humbling when someone says you're the greatest captain. 

"Maybe it's a little bit of a reaction in the present moment, but I certainly - I've given a lot to it. 

"I'm very happy with the results that came with it, but you need those 12 players. You need the back room teams. You need the vice captains. You need so many others to make that happen.

"Certainly I play a role, but I play a small role in terms of a larger picture. I certainly couldn't do it without the amazing support we have behind me."

Donald was initially appointed as a late replacement for Henrik Stenson after the Swede was removed from the captaincy role when he defected to LIV Golf in 2022. 

GolfMagic understands Donald has been given a few months to mull over the decision. 

Viktor Hovland full of regret over "upsetting" Ryder Cup situation

Viktor Hovland played in three matches at Bethpage Black before he sustained a recurrence of a neck injury. 

Tyrrell Hatton replaced the Norwegian 10 minutes before his Saturday afternoon fourballs match. 

Hovland was taken to hospital for an MRI scan but he was expected to compete in the Sunday singles. 

But his condition worsened, prompting his withdrawal. 

The controversial envelope rule was used and Hovland and his US counterpart Harris English shared a point each. 

Many fans of the stars and stripes were upset Europe were half a point closer to retaining the Cup without a ball being struck. 

United States captain Keegan Bradley called for the rule to be changed in the immediate aftermath of defeat. 

For his part, Donald said the rule had been in place for more than two decades and reminded Bradley he had signed the captain's agreement. 

Donald also pointed out the United States have benefited from the envelope rule in the past. 

Hovland told reporters in Delhi that it was an "upsetting situation". 

The 28-year-old offered his opinion over what would transpire if the rule was changed.