Donald’s Dynasty: Could He Lead a Ryder Cup Three-peat?

Golf eh? Bloody hell. I make no apologies for paraphrasing Sir Alex Ferguson’s iconic quote, but it is certainly relevant after an epic Ryder Cup that is still fresh in the memory nearly two weeks on.

Europe were on their way to a procession, leading 11.5-4.5 heading into the Sunday singles at the Ryder Cup.

A few early wins and the team could start thinking about the Moet and celebrations quicker than you can say champagne. The USA had other ideas, however, staging a stunning fightback at Bethpage.

In the end, Shane Lowry rolled in the putt to retain the Ryder Cup, before Tyrrell Hatton secured the half point which Europe needed to win it outright.

Regardless of how it finished, the 15-13 result was only Europe’s fifth ever away victory in the competition. The 12 players were sensational, carrying on that continuity from Rome and showcasing the camaraderie and desire to win that the USA lack every two years.

This triumph in New York simply wouldn’t have been possible without the leadership of Luke Donald.

Four wins as a player and now two as a captain. The Englishman has entered legendary status this side of the pond – for that, there is no doubt.

But once the dust settles, what does the future hold for Donald?

Two more years!

As in Rome two years ago, once the celebrations properly began, chants of “two more years” were heard above the joyous away support.

When asked in the aftermath of the win about his thoughts on the 2027 event, Donald said: "My answer is I'm going to enjoy tonight!"

I mean, it's not exactly a no, is it? The last person to captain for three successive Ryder Cups was Bernard Gallacher between 1991 and 1995.

Remember, he won just once. Tony Jacklin, before him, managed two wins, a tie and a loss across his four editions as captain.

Donald wouldn’t be entering new territory by any means regarding a three-peat, but there is a chance to make history that could make the job difficult to turn down.

Indeed, no captain on either side – playing or non-playing – has ever won three successive Ryder Cups.

A leader of men

Donald’s meticulous approach to the captaincy has given Europe a framework for success which could carry on for years to come.

While previous captains have utilised the services of several vice-captains, Donald’s five assistants perhaps played a more crucial role than in previous editions.

Thomas Bjorn and Jose Maria Olzabal had both been winning captains. Stats guru, Eduardo Molinari, gave Europe an analytical advantage in both foursomes and fourballs.

Finally, both Francesco Molinari and Alex Noren won the event as players and could be potential options for a future captaincy, too.

The 12 players routinely described the environment as being like family, bringing about a togetherness that the Americans can only dream of.

Will he or won’t he?

Looking ahead to the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor, the crux of the 2023 and 2025 teams could remain.

Tommy Fleetwood, Rory McIlroy, Tyrrell Hatton, Jon Rahm and Matt Fitzpatrick aren’t going anywhere. Victor Hovland and Ludvig Aberg are yet to hit their peak years.

Shane Lowry and Robert MacIntyre will still be determined to be around for the next cycle, as to the Hojgaard twins and Sepp Straka.

Justin Rose, despite being 47 in two years, could still be an option. The Englishman is ageing like a fine wine, and Donald will never rule him out.

Many have tipped Rose to become the captain for 2027, but perhaps Hazeltine in 2029 is the ideal time for him to make the step up to the top job.

Over the next few weeks, Donald has every right to take his time and enjoy the fruits of his labour. In a few months, however, the desire to return could prove far too strong to resist.

If so, whoever is chosen as the Team USA captain should be a very worried man.