MADRID, 4 Oct. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Englishman Luke Donald, captain of the European Ryder Cup 2023 team, made it clear that the competition “is bigger than any player”, but also that he has a great ability to unite at a time complicated by the conflict that arose after the appearance of the LIV Golf.
Players such as the Spanish Sergio García or the English Lee Weswood, Ian Poulter and Paul Casey have chosen to play on the new Saudi circuit and despite initially losing their status as members of the European Tour and not being eligible for the Ryder Cup, currently their suspension has been lifted until February. The Swedish Henrik Stenson also signed for LVI and that cost him the captaincy that went to Donald.
“The Ryder Cup is bigger than any single player and it’s also a great way to bring everyone together, it will continue to do that,” said Donald during a press conference in Rome, whose course at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club will host the next edition between September 29 and October 1.
The European captain acknowledged that “it is worth” playing at home, but warned that they will face a “very, very strong” rival, although he cannot play with some level players due to his connection to LIV. “
“I think the President’s Cup team was the strongest they’ve ever had on paper. They have some phenomenal players who seem to be tough to beat, like Schauffele, Cantlay, Thomas and Spieth,” he remarked.
“These guys have winning records in excess of 80 per cent, so it’s going to be a tough challenge. I hope we’re not considered the favorites despite that winning percentage at home over the last 30 years,” added Donald.
For his part, the captain of the United States, Bubba Watson, pointed out that today he cannot choose the ‘rebels’ such as Dustin Johnson, Cameron Smith or Brooks Koepka, who have signed for the new Saudi circuit, but yes with Tiger Woods to give him a hand.
“I can tell you right now that I don’t know if he’s going to be here next year, but he’s going to be part of this team in some way. Frankly, he already is. Tiger loves the Ryder, he wants to be a part of it as best he can. He and I will be in constant communication,” he admitted.
The winner of two majors said that the Californian “has great ideas” and “is always positive” and believes that he can have an impact on the new American stars. “We’ve got some really great young guys who are playing at a higher level now. They’re great guys and their role model on the field is Tiger,” he noted.