Luke Donald has unveiled Padraig Harrington as his next vice-captain of Europe’s team for the 2027 Ryder Cup.
Harrington has joined Edoardo and Francesco Molinari in Donald’s team for the tournament, which will be played at Adare Manor in Limerick, Ireland.
Three-time major winner Harrington represented Europe six times as a player and was captain in 2021, when Donald was vice-captain.
The Irishman was surprised to have been called up by Donald for 2027.
Luke Donald has unveiled Padraig Harrington as his next Ryder Cup vice-captain
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He said: “Luke and I arranged to meet up at The Open and chatted about it, and we felt we could strike up a good team again.
“Obviously, he was my vice-captain in 2021, and we have worked together as vice-captains in the past. And certainly, I feel I’ve something to give.
“Luke has a very strong team around him already, and he felt that we would work well together.
“It’s something I didn’t expect. I honestly didn’t think I’d ever wear the European Ryder Cup logo again. So I’m very happy to be part of it.”
Padraig Harrington said he ‘didn’t expect’ to be called up
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Harrington continued: “The Ryder Cup has been a special part of my life. Representing Europe has always been one of the highlights of my golfing career, and to be able to do it again in this situation, especially in Ireland, is special.
“You wouldn’t want to miss out with it being in Ireland, so I’m very pleased.
“I think it will be a spectacular occasion and one of the great sporting events to be played in the country. The whole of Ireland will be behind it, watching it, enjoying it and living it.
“The fans are going to be fantastic, and I think the atmosphere will be second to none.”
Harrington said: ‘The fans are going to be fantastic, and I think the atmosphere will be second to none’
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Donald was full of praise for the Irishman, whom he feels will be an asset given the tournament is being hosted in Ireland.
He said: “Padraig is someone I thought about quite a lot, especially with it being in Adare.
“I’ve been around Padraig in many Ryder Cup team rooms, as a player, as a vice-captain to his captaincy, and he’s been a vice-captain before in the past as well.
“So he brings a wealth of experience, and I do love the fact that there’s a connection.
Luke Donald guided Europe to victory in 2025
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“He understands the Irish crowds and all that goes with having a Ryder Cup in Ireland. I think it’s going to be very special for him.
“He’s loved in Ireland with what he’s achieved in the game, and that will only bring more energy to our team.
“We’ll get the fans even more behind us, and you know I think that can only be a good thing. I’m very excited to have his expertise.”
