2023 European Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald has been named ‘Captain of the Year’ at the glittering Sporting Club Awards Dinner in London.

Donald, who was selected ahead of other candidates such as Manchester City’s Kyle Walker and South African winning rugby World Cup Captain Siya Kolisi, joined the gathering at the Royal Lancaster Hotel by video link from his Florida home where he spoke glowingly about how events at Marco Simone were the proudest of his professional career, and how he was already planning to repeat the feat at Bethpage Black in New York in two years’ time.

The 45 year old Englishman was recently renewed as European Captain having led Europe to a 16½ - 11½ victory against the United States in the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome, Italy, earlier this year.

He becomes Europe’s first repeat Captain since Bernard Gallacher performed the role in three consecutive Ryder Cups, in 1991, 1993 and 1995.

Donald will be aiming to become only the second Captain to lead Europe to victories both home and away, following Tony Jacklin who achieved the double at Muirfield Village in Ohio in 1987, retaining the Ryder Cup following his team’s victory two years previously at The Belfry, in England, in 1985.