Luke Donald: ‘Edge Of The Seat Stuff Sitting In My Counch’.

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Double winning European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald is not only a member of four straight European Ryder Cup teams but ahead of turning pro in late 2001 he was also a double winning Walker Cup team member having been a part of the back-to-back 1999 side and the 2001 winning team.

So it’s no surprise he was thrilled to pieces for Dean Robertson and his GB & I side creating golfing history last Sunday, coming from a record margin behind and capture the gleaming trophy with a birdie at the final hole and in the final match of the riveting Lahinch showdown.

And while Donald’s focus is strongly focussed in assembling a third straight victorious Europeam Ryder Cup side to compete later next year at Adare Manor, he revealed his sheer delight in the ‘edge of the seat’ TV coverage that led to GB & I Walker Cup side ending a five tournament dominance by the USA side.

Donald was asked his reaction to remarable Lahinch triumph ahead of teeing-up some 30 klm down the road at Doonbeg for the Amgen Irish Open.

“I woke up and tuned in and they were finishing up the morning foursomes and there was a lot of red”, he said.

“It didn’t spell a great outcome for GB&I but I love the fact they came out, despite the disappointment — I read a lot of quotes about how they felt like they had a lot of energy and played well. Just the U.S. played super great golf in the morning session.

“So to obviously come back and play against a strong, strong U.S. Team and to win the singles as convincingly as they did the turnaround at the end, it was edge of the seat stuff sitting in my couch at home. I couldn’t stop watching.

“It always brings back memories of those team events and how special they are. You’re looking at the leaderboard, trying to find those points that require to try and win. Just very happy for the lads”.

And Donald was asked the following:

Q. You mentioned the Ryder Cup there on this island of Ireland in just over a year’s time. How excited are you that it almost feels like within touching distance a little bit?

LUKE DONALD: Yeah, very early days but it seems like it’s a different focus for some of the players, a reset. I think the next few months are obviously great for DP World Tour and all the events. Some strong fields coming up, and great competition. So I’m looking forward to seeing how things pan out over next 8 to 12 months.

Q. You mentioned the qualification started at the British Masters. What are you concentrating on now when you’re looking at players?

LUKE DONALD: You know, I’m really very lucky to have Edoardo. Obviously in-depth and keeps an eye on where people are standing and how they are doing. It’s nice for me to be over here and playing a little bit and checking in with some players.

It’s early days but we’re keeping an eye on a bunch of players, and I think come next September, we’re going to have a strong squad.

Q. And Francesco (Molinari), here as well, to have your chats with this week?

LUKE DONALD: A couple chats. There is plans to have a dinner tonight, one of the nights this week. Yeah, we’ll get together and chat through a few things.



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