Luke Donald hints at Ryder Cup decision: "Tiger's had my number"

Luke Donald has hinted a showdown against Tiger Woods may impact his decision over whether to stay on as European Ryder Cup captain. 

The Englishman, 48, has masterminded back-to-back victories for the blue and gold in the biennial dust-up against the United States. 

He was given the role after Henrik Stenson was stripped of the captaincy after moving to LIV Golf and led Europe to a home victory in Rome in 2023.

Last September, Europe did the improbable and completed a tense 15-13 away victory at Bethpage Black in New York. 

It was the first time any side had won in hostile territory since Europe's "miracle" victory at Medinah in 2012, of which Donald also played a key role. 

Donald has already received the backing of several members of the team that limped over the line four months ago. 

Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry and Tommy Fleetwood all want Donald to stay on.

Lowry previously joked the decision was akin to deciding who would replace Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United after the Scot retired. 

Several senior figures, including vice captains Francesco Molanari and his brother Edoardo, have called for Donald to stay on. 

Donald reporters ahead of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic on Tuesday he will hold talks next week with European Tour Group CEO Guy Kinnings. 

An official announcement is expected before the first major of the year. 

Donald described the role as "high stress" but one which he loves. "I just need to sit down and see if it might work or not," he said. 

The PGA of America are yet to name Keegan Bradley's replacement. 

Bradley, who previously claimed he will "never get over" the USA's defeat in the Big Apple, has placed on record his desire to be given another chance having been left with a "gaping hole" in his career. 

It is widely assumed the captaincy is Woods' if he wants it. 

Woods told media before the Hero World Challenge in December that the governing body have not approached him yet.

He turned down the role before it was given to Bradley, citing his commitments to the PGA Tour amid the scuffle with LIV Golf and TGL. 

Adare Manor is owned by the Irish billionaire, J.P. McManus - a close friend of Woods. 

Could going up against Woods affect Donald's decision?

"Tiger's had my number pretty much 99 per cent of my career, although I did alright against him in Ryder Cups," Donald said. 

"He still moves the needle more than probably anyone."

Should Woods turn down the role again, the PGA of America have no shortage of options. 

Jim Furyk, Brandt Snekeder, Steve Stricker, Webb Simpson, Kevin Kisner, Gary Woodland, Fred Couples and Davis Love III are all candidates. 

The general assumption is that the aforementioned Francesco Molinari will be offered the role in the scenario Donald doesn't fancy it. 

Molinari, the 2018 Open Champion, told Today's Golfer that he wouldn't turn it down, but he hopes Donald will continue. 

"At the moment, I think we'll just keep it at that and hopefully he commits to another two years," he told the publication. 

"I can see for him six years would be a lot of time, but hopefully he can do two more."