Stephen Gallacher named 2027 European Junior Ryder Cup captain
Stephen Gallacher has been named European Captain for the 2027 Junior Ryder Cup in Limerick.
The Scotsman will lead Europe for a record third time on the Island of Ireland, having captained the side in the last two editions of the biennial event, held in Rome and New York.
Six boys and six girls will take on the United States from September 14-16, 2027, with the first two days of the Junior Ryder Cup being played at Ballyneety Golf Club before the decisive singles matches are held at Adare Manor on the eve of the Ryder Cup itself.
Four-time DP World Tour winner Gallacher sealed Europe’s first triumph in 17 years with a record 11-point victory at the 2023 edition in Rome and will aim to become the third captain to lead the side to two victories, following in the footsteps of Macarena Campomanes and Andy Ingram.
“It’s a privilege to lead Team Europe for a third time at the 2027 Junior Ryder Cup in Limerick,” said Gallacher.
“After experiencing our record-breaking victory in Rome, I’m thrilled to have the chance to captain the team on home soil once again. The team spirit and bonds made over my past two tenures have been unbelievable.
“It didn’t go our way in America, but we were so close and the togetherness of the group was amazing. To be captain during the 100th anniversary of the Ryder Cup in a home tie at Ballyneety and Adare Manor is special and I can’t wait to watch the new crop of talent.
“The Junior Ryder Cup returning to the Island of Ireland for the first time since 2002 is extremely exciting and I’m looking forward to working closely with this latest generation and will do everything I can to make sure our 12-strong team has the best chance to regain the Junior Ryder Cup next September.”
The Junior Ryder Cup has been a pathway for the next generation of golfing stars since 1997 and once again in 2027, the best male and female amateurs from Europe and the USA will compete in the mixed event.
Spanish amateur Nagore Martínez was Europe’s highest point scorer at the 2025 Junior Ryder Cup, winning three of her four matches as the United States ran out 17 ½ - 12 ½ victors. Englishman Kris Kim, who has made cuts on the PGA TOUR and HotelPlanner Tour, has been part of both Gallacher’s teams and went undefeated in New York last year.
Grand Slam champion Rory McIlroy, Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard and Belgian Nicolas Colsaerts have all tasted victory at the Junior Ryder Cup before going on to help Europe win the Ryder Cup itself.
Ireland’s Leona Maguire represented Europe at the 2008 Junior Ryder Cup and has since registered 8 ½ points across three Solheim Cup appearances, while Suzann Pettersen and Carlota Ciganda both competed in the Junior Ryder Cup before going on to enjoy multiple Solheim Cup victories.
Gallacher was part of Paul McGinley’s team that retained the Ryder Cup in 2014 following a 16½ -11½ victory over the United States at Gleneagles.
The Scot also boasts an impressive record on the DP World Tour, having won back-to-back Omega Dubai Desert Classic titles in 2013 and 2014, as well as the Hero Indian Open in 2019.
The 51-year-old has been a prominent figure in junior golf, having set up the Stephen Gallacher Foundation to support the next generation in Scotland and received an MBE in the King’s Honours List in 2024 for his services to the sport.
