If it works, why touch it. Luke Donald announced this afternoon that another of his great standard-bearers of the Ryder Cup in Rome, will repeat as vice-captain of the European team in next year’s edition. It is none other than Thomas Bjørn.
A few weeks ago, the European captain announced that Dodo Molinari would repeat as vice-captain, now it’s the Dane’s turn. Luke’s strategy is clear so far. If in Rome Europe was able to beat United States with some clarity, the captain seeks to repeat the formula for success. There will surely be modifications in Luke’s work team, but the hard core remains.
With New York, it will be the sixth time that the Dane serves as vice-captain of the Ryder. The voice of experience. Let’s not forget that Thomas was also the European captain in the continental triumph in Paris six years ago. As a player he participated three times.
In this case the challenge is huge, to win in New York where the European team awaits a real hell. Bjørn was vice-captain in Medinah and already knows what it is to win in hostile territory. Surely this has also weighed in the Englishman’s decision.
The Dane is proud to continue defending continental interests: “It has been a natural evolution. Luke called me and told me he wanted me to continue in New York, knowing that it is going to be a completely different Ryder Cup in 2025 in Bethpage. It was incredible to participate in Rome and I am very eager to see how Luke faces everything that lies ahead”.
For his part, Donald is aware of how much Bjørn contributes: “Thomas means a lot to me. He has passed on his knowledge to me and I have had a great relationship with him in recent years. This is a Ryder Cup away from home, so the sooner we start planning it, the better. We have many challenges but now that I have Edoardo and Thomas by my side I can meet with them and start the planning process on how we can create the right culture for the team to succeed in New York”.
On the American side, it has not yet been announced who will be the captain. The spotlights point to Tiger Woods as the big favourite in the pools. The player himself acknowledged in Augusta that there could be a key meeting this week in this regard. We will see if there is any announcement in the coming days.
