RYDER CUP hero Shane Lowry reckons following Luke Donald as European captain is as daunting as following in Sir Alex Ferguson’s footsteps at Manchester United.
And back-to-back victorious skipper Donald refused to rule out a third stint at Adare Manor in 2027.
Shane Lowry believes following Luke Donald as Team Europe’s Ryder Cup captain is a ‘daunting’ task[/caption]
He compared it to replacing Sir Alex Ferguson at Man Utd[/caption]
Luke Donald has led Team Europe to back-to-back wins[/caption]
The former world No1, 47, masterminded Europe to their first away victory on US soil since the Miracle at Medinah in 2012.
On a nervy singles Sunday, Lowry ensured the gold trophy would be on the plane back across the pond by nicking a half against Russell Henley on the 18th.
And after chants of “two more years” for Donald from the players in the celebrations, Lowry warned whoever does take on the role next has a mighty task at hand.
Speaking at the players’ hotel after partying until the early hours, a gravelly Irishman, 38, said: “We would happily have Luke for two more years, but it’s obviously his call.
“He’s given up three years of his life and he’s put on a lot of work. It’ll be a big deal for him to take it on again.
“God help whoever is going to fill his shoes.
“It’s like trying to come in after Sir Alex Ferguson. We’ve seen how that’s gone over the last 12 years. I think it’ll be very tough shoes to fill.”
Donald orchestrated the New York success two years on from the win in Rome, with 11 of the same players plus a different Hojgaard twin.
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And he certainly did not close the door on leading the group again – even though Europe’s blueprint is leaning towards not having a new captain lead for the first time in the States.
Donald said: “It hasn’t even crossed my mind.
“I’m super humbled again that they would even mention it. I have to sit down and think things through.
“I won’t rule it out, but I want to kind of enjoy this one.
“It would be a harder decision [than 2025]. Some people obviously thought I was mad trying to do an away Ryder Cup after such a successful one in Rome.
“I’ve done one home, I’ve done one way. I don’t feel there’s much more to prove.
“I obviously understand how important the Ryder Cup is. If I can help in any way, I would definitely consider it. I’ve got six months to figure it all out.
“If I don’t do it, who would do it?”
Europe’s celebrations started in the team room with a video chanting “are you watching Donald Trump?” which the President shared on Truth Social, before replying: “Yes, I’m watching. Congratulations!”
Donald added: “Rory got a text from the President while we were in the dressing room.
“He read it out to us and he’s like, ‘let’s do the video with the funny chant and send it back.’
“That’s what we did and he sent out a reply to the world. It was just a bit of banter.”
