23-04-2025
Luke Donald handed Ryder Cup boost as Europeans recruit two-time Masters winner
Luke Donald has strengthened his
Ryder Cup
team by naming two-time
Masters
winner Jose Maria Olazabal as a vice-captain for the upcoming showdown at Bethpage Black.
Team Europe is set to defend its title in New York come September, following a triumphant victory over Team USA in Roma in 2023. With this being Donald's second stint as captain, he'll have the expertise of Ryder Cup hero Olazabal by his side.
The Spanish
golfing
great has competed in the event seven times, securing the cup four times.
Rory McIlroy
, meanwhile,
is struggling with a cold ahead of this week's PGA Tour event
at the
Zurich Classic of New Orleans, where he'll play
alongside
Shane Lowry
.
Read More
Related Articles
McIlroy and Erica Stoll pictured returning to Florida after PGA Tour decision
Read More
Related Articles
Rory McIlroy's mansion owned with Erica Stoll pictured, golf course next door
Olazabal's leadership shone brightly in 2012 when he captained Europe to the legendary "Miracle at Medinah," where they overturned a 10-6 deficit on the final day, leaving Davis Love III's American team in shock during an unforgettable Illinois showdown.
"Jose Maria Olazabal is woven into the fabric of Ryder Cup history," Donald said after Wednesday's announcement. "As a player, he earned 20.5 points across seven appearances and formed one of the most iconic partnerships ever with Seve Ballesteros.
"His legacy was cemented as captain in 2012, leading Europe to the unforgettable 'Miracle at Medinah' – a comeback inspired by the memory of Seve. It's an honour to welcome Jose back as vice-captain. His experience, passion, and deep connection to the Ryder Cup will once again be a guiding force for Team Europe."
Luke Donald has named Jose Maria Olazabal a vice-captain for the 2025 Ryder Cup
(Image: Getty Images)
This marks the fifth occasion Olazabal has been appointed as a vice-captain for the Ryder Cup, reuniting him with Edoardo Molinari and Thomas Bjorn on Donald's team after their impressive performance in Rome.
Olazabal expressed his excitement about being invited to join the Ryder Cup team as a vice captain, despite initial reservations due to the event's location in New York. "It is wonderful news," Olazabal said.
"When Luke approached me and asked me about the possibility of being a vice captain again, I have to be honest, I thought about it for a while because, you know, being in New York, it's not going to be easy. But the Ryder Cup is very close to my heart. I have wonderful memories about this event so I said yes.
"I think Luke did a wonderful job in Rome and I believe he will do a very good job this time round too. He took care of absolutely all the details: players, caddies, families. It was wonderful to see some of the lines he came up with and the images from past champions. It was great also to see him working the way he did during the week, being so close to the players. It was fantastic to be part of that Ryder Cup team.
"It's really hard to win away from home in the United States. In New York, we know the crowds are going to be very loud and the golf course will be set up in favour of the US team - we'll have to handle that, too. I think there is not any bigger challenge for a golfer than facing a Ryder Cup away from home and we have to be mentally prepared for that."
In anticipation for the Bethpage event, Keegan Bradley, Team USA's captain, has completed his leadership team with the selection of four vice-captains: Jim Fuyrk, Brandt Snedeker, Webb Simpson, and Kevin Kisner.
