Two-time Ryder Cup-winning captain Luke Donald paid tribute to the contributions of players, caddies and his backroom staff after he was made an OBE for services to golf in the King’s Birthday Honours.
The 48-year-old, who led Europe to back-to-back victories in Rome and New York, is attempting to become the first person in the 100-year history of the biennial contest against the United States to lead a team to three consecutive wins next year at Adare Manor.
“I am very grateful to be receiving this honour,” said Donald, who won four Ryder Cups as a player.
“It is a proud moment for me, for my family and for all the people I have been fortunate to work with throughout my career, both individually and in the Ryder Cup.
“This is very much recognition of what we have achieved together. That, of course, includes all the players, vice captains, caddies and staff who were part of the Ryder Cup victories in Rome and New York.
“They were special experiences, and I am determined that we go on to enjoy further success at Adare Manor next year.”
Donald’s Ryder Cup captaincy has received widespread praise, particularly after masterminding Europe’s first win on foreign soil in 13 years last year.
In the aftermath the team were united in their calls for him to become the first person since Bernard Gallacher in 1995 to lead the team in three successive events.
“There’s not one player or one person behind the scenes that isn’t thrilled Luke agreed to come back and do it again,” Rory McIlroy, who has played under seven different captains, said in March.
Players speak of Donald’s calm, organised and personable manner which, while employing a data-driven approach, ensures the needs of each individual are taken care of.
His attention to detail stretched as far as covering up chinks of light coming through the players’ hotel room doors and changing to a better-smelling shampoo in their bathrooms.
He also utilised virtual reality headsets to prepare them for the barrage of abuse they faced at Bethpage.
After defeat in New York even United States captain Keegan Bradley admitted: “I think he’s the best European Ryder Cup captain ever.”
On his captaincy style Donald previously said: “My job is literally to give these guys a better chance to win. It’s just taking the time and having the care that you want to do everything you can to kind of give these guys the best opportunity.”
Donald, who at the peak of his playing days was world number one for 56 weeks and in 2011 became the first player to top the money lists on both the DP World Tour and PGA Tour in the same year, was previously awarded the MBE in 2012.
His playing career is 25 years to date and includes seven victories on the DP World Tour and five on the PGA Tour.
