Luke Donald 'surprised at Ryder Cup decision' as telling LIV Golf comment made

European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald has admitted to being caught off-guard after Keegan Bradley was confirmed as the leader of Team USA. In a shock development, Bradley accepted the role last week after clear favourite Tiger Woods withdrew from the race citing his current PGA Tour commitments. 

Bradley, 38, was on the losing side as a player in Medinah in 2012 and at Gleneagles two years later.

And Donald, who last November accepted the offer to retain the captaincy after overseeing victory in Rome, believes his opposite number still had the opportunity to feature in Bethpage as a player.

“Keegan was a surprise to all of us,” he told Express Sport. “It was a surprise to himself, he’s said that. It was an unexpected call he got a week or two ago informing him they would like him to be captain.

“I think it’s surprising because he’s still playing a very high level of golf. He’s top 20 in the world, he won last year and the year before, he had every chance to be on that team in Rome and I think he was unlucky.”

It was on the opening day 12 years ago when Donald and partner Sergio Garcia were humbled by Bradley and Phil Mickelson in the morning foursomes, beaten 4&3. Europe would go on to retain the trophy though after an astonishing fightback in the Sunday singles, with the ‘miracle of Medinah’ now cemented in Ryder Cup folklore.

Citing that tussle, Donald added: “It’s surprising but in a certain way, Keegan is very passionate about the Ryder Cup. I had a great battle with him in Medinah and I saw that passion and how much it meant to him. He loves that event and I’m sure he’ll bring that passion to his captaincy. We’ll enjoy the next 14 months together as we head to New York."

Donald, 46, insisted he had avoided speculation over the appointment of Woods, but believes the 15-time major captain will eventually lead Team USA. “It is a role that takes up a lot of time and commitment and he doesn’t feel he can do it, I understand that,” he said. “I’m sure he will be a captain at some point down the road.”

The Englishman could also be forgiven for having other priorities as he attends The Open Championship at Royal Troon this week. Discussions are ongoing between the DP World Tour and the likes of Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, with the Ryder Cup status of the LIV Golf duo still up in the air.

Donald revealed he had not been part of the talks, but tellingly, implied he wanted the LIV rebels available for selection.  “My role isn’t to do with the politics of what’s going on in golf right now, my role is to try and get the best 12 guys ready for New York,” he said. “I hope I can have the biggest berth of players possible.

“I’m certainly listening to both sides but it’s not something I really have control over. I know discussions are going on, I know the tour want it to happen, and Jon and Tyrrell I think want it to happen. I’m not privy to the ins and outs but hopefully things will work out for everyone.”