Major update revealed surrounding Luke Donald as 2027 European Ryder Cup captain
Could Ryder Cup history be next for Luke Donald? The bookies think there's every chance now...
Luke Donald has been slashed to heavy odds-on to become Europe’s Ryder Cup captain in 2027, with bookmakers increasingly confident he is set for a historic third consecutive stint.
Should Donald, 48, decide to keep hold of the captain’s armband, he would have the chance to rewrite Ryder Cup history at Adare Manor in Ireland.
No captain in the event’s 100-year history has ever won three Ryder Cups in a row.
Donald already shares a unique place in the record books with fellow Englishman Tony Jacklin.
At Bethpage in 2025, Donald guided Europe to a hard-fought 15–13 victory away from home in New York, securing a second straight Ryder Cup triumph after his success in Rome.
Donald and Jacklin remain the only two captains to have won back-to-back Ryder Cups — but Donald could now be on the verge of standing alone.
Bookmakers certainly believe so, particularly following Donald’s comments ahead of this week’s Hero Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Donald confirmed he is set to hold talks with European Tour Group CEO Guy Kinnings next week, with an official announcement expected before the first major of the year.
Donald acknowledged the demands of the role but admitted it remains one he relishes.
“I just need to sit down and see if it might work or not,” he said.
“What does it look like and how many times do they need me? It's been a while since I did the Rome one.
“My oldest daughter is turning 16 next month and I have to weigh up stuff like that, but I'm happy to sit down with Guy and open the conversation.
“A few of the players have expressed that they'd love me to come back and it's nice to get some backing. I think that's very important.”
Luke Donald clear favourite to lead 2027 European Ryder Cup team
Donald has now been installed as the 1/4 favourite with William Hill to captain Europe at the 2027 Ryder Cup — odds that imply an 80% chance of him leading the team for a third successive contest.
The Englishman, who masterminded Europe’s victories in both Rome and New York, is clear of his nearest challengers in the betting.
Francesco Molinari and Edoardo Molinari are both priced at 6/1, while Justin Rose is available at 7/1, albeit the former US Open champion has already turned down the role.
Former captains Padraig Harrington and Thomas Bjørn are quoted at 12/1 and 14/1 respectively.
No decision yet either in USA
Across the Atlantic, Tiger Woods is the 11/4 favourite to captain the United States in 2027.
Jim Furyk then follows at 7/2, with Brandt Snedeker, Steve Stricker and Webb Simpson all priced at 4/1.
Keegan Bradley is a 5/1 chance to return to the role after captaining the US side in 2025, while Kevin Kisner and Gary Woodland are quoted at 6/1 and 8/1 respectively.
William Hill spokesperson Lee Phelps said: “Luke Donald’s back-to-back wins have put him in pole position for a historic third stint as European Ryder Cup captain and our price of 1/4 reflects just how strong his chances are.
"The Molinari brothers, who have already worked under Donald for Team Europe, are 6/1, while Ryder Cup veteran Justin Rose is 7/1 to make the step up into the captaincy role.
“Across the pond, Tiger Woods is a clear 11/4 favourite in our 2027 USA captaincy market, ahead of experienced names like Jim Furyk (7/2), Brandt Snedeker (4/1) and Steve Stricker (4/1).
“We make Keegan Bradley a 5/1 shot to continue as US captain following his home defeat at Bethpage in 2025, but he remains a possibility after expressing he’d like the opportunity to exact revenge on the Europeans.”
Who do you reckon will become European and USA Ryder Cup captain for 2027?
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Andy Roberts first joined GolfMagic on a month's work experience back in April 2011.
Andy then assumed the role of GolfMagic Editor in 2015.