Donald: I'll think about a third term as captain

LUKE Donald has not ruled out serving a third term as the European Ryder Cup captain.

- ANDY HAMPSON

A clamour is already growing for the 47-year-old to stay on after masterminding a second successive triumph over the United States.

The latest win arrived in dramatic circumstances at Bethpage Black on Sunday as Donald's side held off a stunning fightback from the hosts to prevail 15-13. It was Europe's first success in the US since 2012 and, coming after their comprehensive triumph in Rome two years ago, assured Donald of a place among the competition’s greats.

As after the Italian win, the calls for Donald stay on for another term began almost immediately with celebrating players chanting “two more years” towards their leader.

The next contest is at Adare Manor in Limerick, Ireland, in 2027.

Donald told reporters: “A lot of people questioned why I would do it a second time after doing it so well in Rome, but home and away is a different challenge and I've ticked both those boxes.

“Whether I do it again is something I’ll have to think about.”