Luke Donald thought long and hard before he accepted the Ryder Cup Captaincy for a third time as he stakes his reputation on the line when the world’s greatest golf spectacle arrives in Ireland for it’s centenary playing next September.

Speaking to the media at Adare Manor today, the genial Englishman told the assembled crowd that it was a decision that took some time.

“I feel very honoured to obviously be the captain in that role with the centenary on the line, as well, and the history behind that,” he opined. “It’s something I sat with for a few months to think about the opportunity of maybe going for a third time. But once I decided, then you’re all in. I think a big part of the reason was the fact that it was here in Ireland, at Adare. I’ve known J.P.(McManus), Noreen, for quite a few years. I’ve come to many JP McManus Pro-Ams. What they do, what they do for the community, is special. I think having a Ryder Cup in Ireland on the 100th anniversary is going to be incredible.”

With Europe undefeated on home soil for 33 years, and with the win in Rome followed by the stunning performance in the cauldron of Bethpage last September, the pressure is on the United States to try to break the stranglehold of the home side.

The USPGA have turned to Jim Furyk for a second stint – he was unsuccessful in Paris in 2018 where Europe won by seven points – but the 56 year from Pennsylvania is looking forward to the event and has promised to switch it up in Adare.

Speaking about his preparations since his appointment, Furyk says there are lots to consider.

“A lot of it is broad and general at the moment. I had an opportunity to sit in the team room last week at Medinah at the Presidents Cup, so I had the opportunity to see that team firsthand. I like the fact that we can build our programme on some continuity from year-to-year.

But right now, it’s a lot of logistics. As I said, I changed a few things immediately upon taking the captaincy. Working on a lot of travel, being here at Adare, working on some team spaces and trying to figure out how Tabitha (his wife) and I will build the team room.

“You’re always coming up with new, creative ways to create that team atmosphere and that bond, but we’ve got a lot to work on as I said. I feel blessed. I’ve had some ideas and thoughts about how I thought Team USA could and should be run in the future. I think Terry Clark, our CEO and I, aligned on those, and extremely — I feel extremely blessed that I was the one chosen to make that charge and change things here for the future, not only for here at Adare Manor but in years to come.”

For Donald, the Irish crowd will be key and the presence of Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry is sure to inspire.

” On Shane, I think he had some near misses, and I think he was holding on to those a little bit. It was great to get the monkey off the back, I suppose, so to speak and to do it so emphatically and to do it under quite a lot of pressure.

When you play your National Open, you care more. You want to do well more. You want to really impress those crowds, and he did that. To win by 11 shots is incredible. I haven’t ever come close to winning a tournament by that many. I don’t know what it feels like. I always felt like I had to struggle up the 18th and get it done. But you know, he had a nice lead there.

So great to see him playing well. I know the Ryder Cup is a massive focus for him, especially here playing in Ireland. He’ll be doing everything he can to make that team.”

Donald, who played with McIlroy in two Ryder Cups before leading the team at the last two editions is under no illusions as to the importance of the double Master’s champion, particularly on home soil.

“Rory’s journey in the Ryder Cup has been a great one. We all remember what he said. In his very first one, he thought it was going to be a bit of an exhibition. And he played his first Ryder Cup and found that that was far from the case, and it was the most enjoyable, the most fun event that he’s ever been a part of.

“He’s changed as a person as he’s grown into his role and what he’s achieved in the game. Every time he achieved something, he feels like he has more responsibility as a leader, and he loves the Ryder Cup with a passion. He loves competing it in it. He loves being a teammate and speaking up when he feels he can help.

I think he does a great job of that, and I’m very lucky to have him on my team.”

The Ryder Cup takes place at The Golf Club at Adare Manor from September 17-19 2027.