Ryder Cup 2023: Luke Donald named as Henrik Stenson's successor to captain Team Europe in Italy

Luke Donald has been confirmed as Henrik Stenson’s replacement to captain Europe’s 2023 Ryder Cup team in Italy.

Stenson was initially appointed Ryder Cup captain in March, only to be stripped of the role last month after electing to join several of his former Ryder Cup team-mates in signing up for the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series.

Donald has featured in four winning Ryder Cup teams and served as a vice-captain for the last two editions of the biennial contest, with the former world No 1 now given the task of trying to regain the trophy for Europe on home soil.

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"Obviously I was disappointed back in March not to get the call," Donald told Sky Sports News. "They went with Henrik, and I understand Henrik has a great Ryder Cub record himself and was a vice-captain last year in Whistling Straits.

"It wasn't to be and obviously a lot has transpired in the last few months. We all know what's happened and obviously extremely grateful and honoured and excited to be given this opportunity.

"This is a second opportunity, I suppose, but being Ryder Cup captain is a little bit like a lifetime achievement award for me and something I'm certainly looking forward to the journey for the next 14 months."

Marco Simone Golf and Country Club on the outskirts of Rome will host the event from September 29-October 1 next year, live on Sky Sports' dedicated Ryder Cup channel, where Europe will be looking to avenge their record-breaking 19-9 loss at Whistling Straits in 2020.

Why was Stenson sacked?

Stenson was appointed Ryder Cup captain on March 15, but the Swede's tenure lasted just 127 days before his decision to join LIV Golf meant he was removed from the role with immediate effect.

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The 2016 Open champion had hoped to be able to continue in the position while still playing in LIV events, but a meeting with Ryder Cup Europe officials made it clear that was not acceptable.

Ryder Cup Europe said in a statement last month: "In light of decisions made by Henrik in relation to his personal circumstances, it has become clear that he will not be able to fulfil certain contractual obligations to Ryder Cup Europe that he had committed to prior to his announcement as Captain on Tuesday March 15, 2022, and it is therefore not possible for him to continue in the role of Captain."

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Stenson then made a light-hearted dig at his dismissal after making a winning start to his LIV Golf career in Bedminster, joking that he "played like a captain" when interviewed after his victory.

Who will be part of Donald's backroom team?

Thomas Bjorn had already been appointed as one of Stenson's vice-captains, having led Europe to victory in impressive fashion at Le Golf National in 2018. Edoardo Molinari was also a confirmed member of Stenson's backroom staff, with Donald retaining both as assistants.

"In my opinion, it was essential that Thomas and Edoardo remained part of the team," Molinari said. "They were the first two calls I made once I got the nod to be Captain and I'm delighted that they are fully on-board.

"Nobody needs any explanation of how important Thomas is to the Ryder Cup - one glance at the history books will show you that. He has lived and breathed European golf for the past 30 years and having his know-how behind me, not least as a winning Captain, will be vital.

"Furthermore, Edoardo has blazed an impressive trail for himself in the world of stats and his knowledge in this area with the players who will be on the team, in addition to extra-special Italian element he will bring to the entire occasion, is an extra bonus for Team Europe."

Zach Johnson is the United States' captain for their defence, succeeding Steve Stricker in the role, with the two-time major winner already confirming that American players competing in the LIV Golf series will not be eligible to represent Team USA.

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