Luke Donald was named on Monday as captain of Europe’s 2023 Ryder Cup staff, changing Henrik Stenson who was stripped of the honour final month after becoming a member of the controversial Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series.
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Donald, a 44-year-old Englishman, represented Europe in 4 Ryder Cups as a participant. He was a part of the successful staff every time, together with the ‘Miracle at Medinah’ in 2012.
Luke Donald is a two-time vice-captain
He was additionally a vice-captain within the final two editions of the biennial contest, beneath Thomas Bjorn in 2018 and Padraig Harrington final 12 months.
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“I am incredibly proud to be named European Ryder Cup captain for 2023,” said the previous world primary.
“It is truly one of the greatest honours that can be bestowed upon a golfer, to lead a team of your peers and be an ambassador for an entire continent.
“I feel extremely privileged to have been given that responsibility and it is a responsibility I do not take lightly.”
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The USA maintain the Ryder Cup following their snug 19-9 victory at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin final 12 months.
The 2023 competitors might be held in Guidonia, simply exterior Rome, in 2023, the primary time the cup could have been contested in Italy.
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“Some of my best experiences in golf have been in the Ryder Cup and I would not swap those for anything,” stated Luke Donald.
“It is an event like no other and I cannot wait to create more special memories in Italy next year.
“I love everything the Ryder Cup embodies, from the camaraderie and companionship of being part of a team, to the history of the contest, but most of all playing for something bigger than yourself.
“Rome will be a fantastic host city. It is a city rich in history and hopefully we can create some of our own in 14 months’ time.”
Stenson, 46, was sacked as captain after signing with the breakaway LIV circuit, which has drawn criticism from human rights activists involved about Saudi Arabia’s file.
The circuit has moreover provoked the wrath of the established DP World Tour and PGA Tour because it lures gamers with large purses and reportedly, in some circumstances, with signing bonuses price tens of hundreds of thousands.
Stenson bounced again from the frustration of shedding the captaincy by successful his first match on the breakaway tour on Sunday.
By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse
