We want place in Ryder Cup folklore - Luke

LUKE Donald is targeting “Ryder Cup folklore” as he aims to lead Europe to a rare away victory.

- By JONATHAN VEAL

Donald, who masterminded success in Rome in 2023, could become just the second European captain after Tony Jacklin to win the competition home and away if his side can get over the line at Bethpage Black this week.

But European victories on this side of the Atlantic do not happen often.

Indeed, their only win on American soil in the last 20 years came courtesy of the ‘Miracle of Medinah’ in 2012, when Jose Maria Olazabal’s side overturned a 10-6 deficit on the final day.

Victories in 1987, 1995 and 2004 are even further in the past, so Donald knows just how big an achievement it would be to win in New York.

“Make no mistake, our players are ready,’ Donald said in his speech at Wednesday's opening ceremony, brought forward 24 hours due to an inclement weather forecast for yesterday.

“Every one of them has earned their spot, not through entitlement, but through excellence.

“Two years ago we wrote a chapter in Rome, this week in New York we aim to write history.