Donald installed as Europe's new Ryder Cup captain

Luke Donald was named on Monday as captain of Europe's 2023 Ryder Cup team, replacing Henrik Stenson who was stripped of the honor last month after joining the controversial Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series.

Donald, a 44-year-old Englishman, represented Europe in four Ryder Cups as a player. He was part of the winning team each time, including the 'Miracle at Medinah'in 2012.

He was also a vice-captain in the last two editions of the biennial contest.

"I am incredibly proud to be named European Ryder Cup captain for 2023," said the former world No 1.

"It is truly one of the greatest honors 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."

The USA holds the Ryder Cup following its comfortable 19-9 victory at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin last year.

The 2023 competition will be held in Guidonia, just outside Rome, in 2023, the first time the cup will be contested in Italy.

"Some of my best experiences in golf have been in the Ryder Cup and I would not swap those for anything," said 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 removed as captain after signing with the breakaway LIV circuit.

The circuit has provoked the wrath of the established PGA Tour and the DP World Tour as it lures players with massive purses and reportedly, in some cases, with signing bonuses worth tens of millions of dollars.

Stenson shrugged off being stripped of the captaincy by winning his first tournament on the breakaway tour on Sunday.

Among the European Ryder Cup players who have joined LIV are Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia and Paul Casey.

Zach Johnson is the US captain for the matches next fall in Italy.

AFP