Luke Donald names latest vice captain for 2025 Ryder Cup

European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald has named former skipper Jose Maria Olazábal as his third vice for the 2025 matches at Bethpage Black. 

Olazábal returns to the role having also been part of Donald's team in 2023 when Team Europe defeated the United States 16½ - 11½ in Italy. 

The 59-year-old Spaniard was the last captain to lead Team Europe to victory on U.S. soil, overseeing the Miracle at Medinah in 2012. 

"It is wonderful news," Olazábal said. "When Luke approached me and asked me about the possibility of being a vice captain again, I have to be honest, I thought about it for a while because, you know, being in New York, it's not going to be easy. 

"But the Ryder Cup is very close to my heart. I have wonderful memories about this event so I said yes."

Related:

• European Ryder Cup standings

Olazábal, 59, represented Europe in the Ryder Cup on seven occasions and formed an iconic partnership with the late, great Seve Ballesteros. 

The former Masters champ amassed a total of 20.5 points for Europe.

His greatest Ryder Cup success, of course, came when Europe mounted an improbable comeback from 10-6 down to win the 2012 matches at Medinah. 

Olazábal broke down in tears as he dedicated the victory to Ballesteros. 

This year's Ryder Cup will be the fifth time he has been a vice captain. Olazabal was a vice captain in 2008, 2010 and 2014. 

Donald said he was delighted to welcome back Olazábal.

"He is synonymous with European golf and the Ryder Cup and everything it represents," Donald said.  

"So to have him back as part of my backroom team is incredibly positive for us.
 
"He bleeds blue and gold like nobody else. His passion for the Ryder Cup is second to none. 

"He is just an inspiration to so many players, which made such a difference in Rome."

Olazábal rejoins Thomas Bjorn and stats guru Edoardo 'Dodo' Molinari in Donald's backroom staff. 

The 2025 Ryder Cup will be played over 26-28 September.