Major Champion Offers Grim Assessment of Ryder Cup Captaincy Chances
Former Open champion Henrik Stenson appears resigned to the idea that he will never serve as the European Ryder Cup captain. The Swedish golfer, who has proudly represented Europe in several Ryder Cup tournaments, boasts a strong overall record of 10–7–2 in the biennial competition.
Stenson once served as vice-captain under Padraig Harrington at the 2021 event in Wisconsin and was later named captain himself. However, after his decision to join LIV Golf in 2022, his appointment was revoked, sending ripples through the golfing world.
“His move to LIV Golf in 2022 sent shockwaves through the sport and led to him being stripped of the captaincy altogether.”
In the aftermath, former World No.1 Luke Donald assumed Stenson’s role and has since been praised as one of Europe’s greatest captains. Following Europe’s victory over the United States in September, Donald joined Tony Jacklin as only the second man to captain consecutive home and away triumphs, the latter achieving the feat in 1985 and 1987.
Recent discussions suggest Donald may remain captain for a third term when the competition returns to Ireland in 2027. Reports indicate he has been granted time to reach a decision. Should Donald decline, former Open champion Francesco Molinari is widely expected to take over — he is also the older brother of Europe’s analytics specialist, Edoardo Molinari.
Author’s Summary
Henrik Stenson’s LIV Golf move likely ended his hopes of leading Europe in the Ryder Cup, while Luke Donald’s success keeps shaping the team’s future.