'WE'LL ALWAYS REMEMBER THIS'

But Donald, feted as Europe's 'best captain', says heart might not handle two more years

- 

Europe captain Luke Donald (right) and world No. 2 golfer Rory McIlroy spraying champagne on each other after the team retained the Ryder Cup by edging out th US 15-13 on Sept 28.

(PHOTO: REUTERS)

Europe captain Luke Donald was soaking up the praise from players and rivals after years of preparation paid off in a 15-13 Ryder Cup triumph on Sept 28 at Bethpage Black.

And as his triumphant team chanted “Two more years” around him, Donald did not say no.

“My answer is I’m going to enjoy tonight,” the Englishman replied.

Donald, who also guided Europe’s 2023 win at Rome, became the first captain to win back-to-back Cups since fellow Englishman Tony Jacklin in 1987.

Asked on the course after the victory about a 2027 return, Donald said: “I don’t think my heart can take two more years. We'll see.”

The 47-year-old called it the most stressful 12 hours of his life.

Shane Lowry, who sank the cup-clinching six-foot putt on the 18th green to tie Russell Henley, heaped praise upon Donald.