Willett Believes Luke Donald’s Adare Manor Captaincy Vote Will Hinge On His Own Individual Career.

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Masters champ Danny Willett believes fellow Brit Luke Donald’s decision if should he retain the European Team captaincy reins for 2027 at Adare Manor should hinge on what priority Donald places on his own indiviual competitive career.

In leading Europe to a second straight Ryder Cup succcess last Sunday at Bethpage Park, Donald became only the second European Team captain to win back-to-back Ryder Cups.

However Donald is now aged 47 and considers himself competitive enough to compete in regular competition albiet not having added to his tally of 17 pro tour titles since 2013.

GolfByTourMiss caught-up with fellow Englishman and 2016 European Ryder Cup capped Danny Willett ahead of teeing-up at Kingsbarns Links for a practice round to get his thoughts on the decisions Donald now faces.

“I think after Luke’s had a bit of time to digest it all … though I would have thought the thing for Luke would be more to do with what he wants to do with regards his own career”, said Willett.

“The questions he will need to address is still he want to play loads of golf?  As we know, being a Ryder Cup captain takes up loads of your time.

“So, I think his eventual decision is going to depend on a lot of that thought process.

“He’s still playing and also played alright while the only other question against him is then if Luke decides to step down then who do you ask to take his place?

“Before the lads went to LIV we had a load of guys who were going to take-up the captaincy reins Henrik, Poutls, Westy, Sergio, G Mac but going forward we don’t know whether that law will change to open the door for those guys as no-one knows.

“If not, then the only guys in the Adare Manor captaincy conversation will be either Luke, Rosey or Franki (Monilari).

“It’s a really tricky one and maybe it’s a decision that your own golf game comes first and the captaincy comes second.  That’s, as I see, the question facing Luke and also Keegan (Bradley)”.

The Masters winning Willett has represented Europe once in the Ryder Cup and was in 2016 and the year he was fitted with his Augusta National winning green jacket.

And in pointing this out, Europe’s success on Sunday was just as exciting for Willett.

“It was not like last time and being all in the Dunvegan which was a shame as we were all at home this time”, said Willett.

“It was amazing as it got close there at the end, the lads played just great.

“Everyone played the best but then the Europeans played better, doing enough to get across the line first for the win.

“So, a good week for European golf while it again showed how strong the tour’s are along with the toughness of the players and with all looking good for the next few years”.

As for Lowry’s incredible 18th hole victory celebration and controlling the Irishman for the next few years in the lead-up to the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor?

Willett said smiling: “I’ll tell you what!  Shane is going to be some prospect.  He is going to be a very interesting propsect with so many Irish asssured at being present at Adare Manor.  One thing for sure, it’s going to be a nice welcome home for the lads come September 2027,

“Of course, it will be a great welcome home this week for the likes of Tommy, Matt, Tyrrell and Bobby Mac.  It’s always a great welcome coming back here to the Dunhill every year, no matter who you are. Playing these three great golf courses is alwys amazing playing in front of these crowds.

“So, the red carpet will be out for the boys”.



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