Luke Donald 'delighted and honoured' as golf star keeps captaincy for next Ryder Cup
Luke Donald will be Team Europe's captain at the next Ryder Cup in 2025
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Luke Donald has claimed he's 'delighted and honoured' after being confirmed as Team Europe captain for the next Ryder Cup.
The 45-year-old helped his side beat Team USA 16.5-11.5 at this year's tournament.
And he's now set to retain the captaincy as a result.
Donald represented Europe in the Ryder Cup four times as a player, featuring on the winning team twice.
Luke Donald and other Team Europe players celebrate winning the Ryder Cup earlier this year
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The veteran then served as vice-captain before replacing Henrik Stenson for this year's tournament.
And Donald has admitted he's 'delighted and honoured' after becoming the first golfer since Bernhard Gallacher to captain in back-to-back Ryder Cups.
"I'm delighted and honoured to have been given the chance to lead Team Europe in the Ryder Cup once again," he said.
"Great opportunities don't come along very often in life and I'm a great believer that when they do, you need to grab them with both hands - this is one of these moments.
"I've been fortunate as a player to have had many amazing times in the Ryder Cup over the years and so to add being a winning Captain to that, to form bonds with the 12 players like we did in Italy and to get the result we did, was very special indeed.
"The Ryder Cup means so much to me, so to be Captain again and have the chance to create more history by becoming only the second European Captain to win back-to-back is exciting.
"There is no question that being a Captain away from home is a tough task.
"But I have never shied away from challenges throughout my career and it is precisely the kind of thing that motivates me.
"I can't wait to get another 12-strong team to Bethpage in 2025."
Guy Kinnings, Ryder Cup director, said: "Luke was a superb Captain in Rome and we are delighted that he will be returning to the role for the 2025 Ryder Cup in New York.
"He demonstrated clear, calm and meticulous leadership skills in Rome.
"And all those qualities will be big assets again for Luke and Team Europe as they take on the considerable challenge of trying to retain the Ryder Cup against a strong US Team backed by passionate support in New York."
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Luke Donald poses with the Ryder Cup trophy
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The next Ryder Cup takes place in 2025.
Team Europe last won away from home in 2012, beating their rivals 14.5-13.5 in a contest for the ages.