Luke Donald is looking to add winning experience to his European Ryder Cup team, after adding José María Olazábal to his setup as a vice-captain. Olazábal has a rich history in the Ryder Cup both as a player and a winning captain.
In 2012, the Spaniard led the Europeans to their infamous Miracle at Medinah victory over the United States, dedicating the dramatic victory to his late friend Seve Ballesteros. 11 years on Olazábal will be in European colours again, this time to help out captain Donald.
Donald himself played in the win at Medinah back in 2012 and was sent out first by then skipper Olazábal in the crucial Sunday singles matches. Paying tribute to this, the Englishman said: “When you think of José María Olázabal, you immediately think of the Ryder Cup.
“He brings amazing passion and I couldn’t be more excited to have him on board. He was my captain when I last played in the Ryder Cup – at Medinah in 2012 – and I thoroughly enjoyed playing for him that year.
“He picked me to play number one in the singles and that was hugely gratifying.” Olazábal meanwhile was surprised to receive the call from his new boss, modest for a man who is a staple of the European Ryder Cup setup.
With my previous experiences in the Ryder Cup I am obviously thrilled to be back involved once again,” he commented. “I am really looking forward to feeling that special adrenaline flow, the intensity and the electricity that only the Ryder Cup can bring – I’m really excited to be part of it all again.