Report: Justin Rose is ruling himself out of 2027 European Ryder Cup captaincy

Justin Rose is set to officially withdraw his name from the running to become Europe’s next Ryder Cup captain in 2027, according to The Telegraph.

The popular 45-year-old Englishman is instead understood to be fully focused on making an eighth Ryder Cup playing appearance when sport's famous biennial contest heads to Adare Manor in Ireland.

Rose proved a key figure in Luke Donald’s victorious 2025 side at Bethpage, helping Europe to a dramatic 15–13 win over the USA. 

The 2013 US Open champion collected two points from three sessions, underlining his enduring class and leadership on golf’s biggest stage.

Rose's form throughout 2025 has been equally impressive. 

He pushed Rory McIlroy all the way at The Masters, eventually losing in a playoff as the Northern Irishman completed his career Grand Slam. 

But Rose soon rebounded with a superb victory at the FedEx St. Jude Championship in August, ending a two-and-a-half-year win drought and securing his 12th career PGA Tour title.

That win also cemented his place on Donald's team.

After helping Europe to an emotional victory in New York at the end of September, it appears the fire still burns for the former World No.1. 

Rose is set to remove his seat from the captain's table, at least for now...

Who will captain the 2027 European Ryder Cup team?

It looks like a two-horse race... 

Luke Donald remains the leading candidate to return as captain after masterminding back-to-back triumphs, but The Telegraph understands his chances of agreeing to a third stint are "less than 50-50".

According to reports, Donald has been given time to consider his options with wife Diane before making a decision on the captaincy. 

But he is very much the first choice for Ryder Cup Europe. 

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Should Donald pass up the rare opportunity to chase a record third consecutive Ryder Cup win in 2027, then Francesco Molinari - who was one of Donald's vice-captains at Bethpage - is believed to be waiting in the wings. 

His brother Edoardo Molinari, who once again proved a key figure on Donald’s backroom team in New York, has already played down his own chances by admitting last month he "lacks the charisma" for the role.

Elsewhere, Padraig Harrington could also come back into the frame for a second term, particularly with the Ryder Cup returning to European soil. However, his first stint ended in a bruising 19–9 defeat at Whistling Straits in 2021 - and a shot at redemption seems unlikely. 

Graeme McDowell also threw his hat into the ring during an interview with bunkered last weekend - but under the current rules there appears little to no chance that could happen. 

Henrik Stenson, who literally threw away the captaincy for 2023 once joining the LIV Golf League, admits he will unlikely never captain the team. 

Donald is the bookies favourite 

The bookmakers have now suspended the betting market on who will skipper the 2027 European Ryder Cup team.

Last month, Donald was the favourite at evens, with Molinari available at 4/1. 

The captaincy is in Donald's hands, but if he doesn't fancy another two years then Molinari would seem like the sensible call. 

Rose only interested in playing 

One man who will definitely not be leading the team out at Adare Manor is Rose. 

The Englishman's decision to keep chasing playing glory on golf's biggest stage speaks volumes about his motivation and belief that he still belongs among Europe’s best.

Even if he will be 47 at the 2027 Ryder Cup. 

If his recent form is anything to go by, few would bet against him teeing it up once again when golf's great biennial contest returns to Irish soil in 2027.