Luke Donald may lead Europe for the third time: who will be the next captain?.

Shane Lowry on the challenges of the new captain of Europe

According to The Sun: Shane Lowry, Ryder Cup hero, believes that becoming Luke Donald's successor as captain of Europe is as difficult as replacing Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

Luke Donald, a two-time winner, does not rule out the possibility of taking on this role again at Adare Manor in 2027.

The former world number one, 47, led the European team to its first victory on American soil since the Miracle at Medinah in 2012.

In a tense Sunday meeting, Lowry managed to secure victory by leveling the game with Russell Henley on the 18th hole.

During the celebrations, when the crowd echoed 'two more years' towards Donald, Lowry noted that it would be very difficult for his successor.

He expressed his thoughts at the players’ hotel after the celebrations:

“We would be happy to see Luke for two more years, but that is his decision.

“He has spent three years of his life and done a lot of work. It will be a big decision for him to lead the team again.

“God help whoever has to take his place.

“It's like trying to follow Sir Alex Ferguson. We’ve seen what that looked like over the last 12 years. I think it's going to be a very tough job.”

Donald led to success in New York two years after winning in Rome, with the same 11 players and another Hoygaard brother.

Donald’s next steps

Donald has not closed the door on the possibility of leading the team again, although Europe has a plan not to have a new captain in the USA.

He noted:

“It hasn't even crossed my mind.”

“I’m very happy that it was even mentioned. I need to sit down and think about everything.

“I’m not dismissing it, but I want to enjoy the moment I’m in right now.

“It would be a harder decision than in 2025. Some thought I was crazy trying to host a Ryder Cup away after such success in Rome.

“I’ve done one home, one away. I don’t feel the need to prove any more.”

The European celebrations began in the team room with a video in which someone shouted “Are you watching, Donald Trump?” to which the President replied: “Yes, I’m watching. Congratulations!”

Donald added:

“Rory received a text from the President while we were in the locker room.

“He read it to us, and he said: ‘Let’s make a video with that funny shout and send it back.'

“That’s exactly what we did, and he sent it to the world. It was just a bit of fun.”

So, Shane Lowry, a highly professional player, emphasized the difficulty of the future role of the new captain of Team Europe. Whether Luke Donald takes on this role again or not, it is crucial for the team to find a leader capable of achieving the same successes as his predecessor. The entire sports world is eagerly awaiting the next steps, as the Ryder Cup is not just a competition, but a symbol of unity and struggle at the highest level of golf.