Here we take a look at some interesting facts about Europe's 2023 Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald
Luke Donald makes his debut as Ryder Cup captain this year after stepping in to replace Henrik Stenson - who lost the job after joining LIV Golf.
Donald represented Team Europe four times in the Ryder Cup as a player - being on the winning side on all four occasions - and was also a vice-captain for the last two events in 2018 and 2021.
He'll now be leading Europe into battle at Marco Simone Golf Club in Rome for the 2023 Ryder Cup from September 25-October 1, as the hosts look to win back the trophy they lost in such disappointing fashion at Whistling Straits.
16 Things You Didn't Know About Luke Donald
1. He went to Northwestern University in Chicago
2. He has lived in Chicago ever since, although he has recently put his home on the market and is basing himself in Jupiter, Florida
3. He turned pro in 2001
4. He married his wife Diane in 2007 in Santorini, Greece. They have three daughters - Elle, Sophia and Georgina
5. Donald was world number one for 56 weeks
6. He was awarded an MBE in 2012 for services to golf
7. Became the first person to win the money lists on the PGA Tour and European Tour in the same season in 2011
8. In 1999, he won the NCAA Division I Men's Golf Championships men's title, beating Tiger Woods' scoring record
9. He became the first amateur to win the Chicago Open in 2000
10. He has a passion for wine and even brought out a Luke Donald Collection of wines in 2018
11. Was made an honourary life member of the European Tour in 2012
12. He was signed with Top Flite in his early days as a pro (they owned the brands Strata and Ben Hogan which he used). He has been with Mizuno since 2004
13. His brother Christian caddied for him until 2009. He was with Paul Casey from 2009-2011, Martin Kaymer from 2011-2012 and is currently on the bag of Brendan Steele
14. His career on-course earnings are just shy of $36m
15. During his spell as world number one in 2011 he was working with elite performance coach Dave Alred, who helped Jonny Wilkinson and more recently, Francesco Molinari
16. He was club champion at Beaconsfield Golf Club aged 15
-
Rory McIlroy 'Would Pay For The Privilege' Of Playing In The Ryder CupRory McIlroy can see the argument for players being paid to play in the Ryder Cup, but thinks it would upset the "purity" of the event for the Europeans
-
What Is Maximum Available Relief In Golf And When And Where Does It Apply?What does 'maximum available relief' mean and when might it come into play? We explain all...
-
Edoardo Molinari Facts: 20 Things To Know About The Italian GolferItalian star Edoardo Molinari has enjoyed several big highlights in his career, including a Ryder Cup appearance alongside his brother Francesco - here are 20 things to know about him
-
How Many Times Has Rory McIlroy Made A Hole-In-One In His Career?The Northern Irishman has claimed multiple victories and countless awards during a professional career that began in 2007, but how many aces has he made?
-
What Are Scottie Scheffler's Stock Yardages?Scheffler has been the PGA Tour's best player for several years now, but how far does he hit every club in the bag?
-
What Are Charley Hull's Stock Yardages?The English star is one of the most powerful hitters on the LPGA Tour - but how far does Hull hit every club in the bag?
-
Paul Waring Facts: 18 Things To Know About The English GolferGet to know the life and career of veteran DP World Tour player Paul Waring with these facts...
-
Johannes Veerman Facts: 16 Things To Know About The American GolferGet to know the life and career of American DP World Tour golfer Johannes Veerman better
-
Adrian Otaegui Facts: 15 Things You Didn’t Know About The DP World Tour ProAdrian Otaegui has enjoyed a steady flow of victories since establishing himself on the DP World Tour – here are 15 things you may not know about the Spaniard
-
Nacho Elvira Facts: 15 Things You Didn’t Know About The DP World Tour ProNacho Elvira has hit his stride since becoming a regular on the DP World Tour – here are 15 things to know about the Spaniard
