Luke Donald names latest vice captain for 2025 Ryder Cup.
Luke Donald, the European Ryder Cup captain, has announced the newest member of his team for the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.
European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald has named former skipper Jose Maria Olazábal as his third vice for the 2025 matches at Bethpage Black.
Olazábal returns to the role having also been part of Donald’s team in 2023 when Team Europe defeated the United States 16½ – 11½ in Italy.
The 59-year-old Spaniard was the last captain to lead Team Europe to victory on U.S. soil, overseeing the Miracle at Medinah in 2012.
“It is wonderful news,” Olazábal said. “When Luke approached me and asked me about the possibility of being a vice captain again, I have to be honest, I thought about it for a while because, you know, being in New York, it’s not going to be easy.
“But the Ryder Cup is very close to my heart. I have wonderful memories about this event so I said yes.”
Olazábal, 59, represented Europe in the Ryder Cup on seven occasions and formed an iconic partnership with the late, great Seve Ballesteros.
The former Masters champ amassed a total of 20.5 points for Europe.
His greatest Ryder Cup success, of course, came when Europe mounted an improbable comeback from 10-6 down to win the 2012 matches at Medinah.
Olazábal broke down in tears as he dedicated the victory to Ballesteros.
This year marks the fifth time José María Olazábal will serve as a vice captain at the Ryder Cup, having previously held the role in 2008, 2010, and 2014.
European captain Luke Donald expressed his excitement about Olazábal’s return.
Describing the iconic winning putt during the Miracle at Medinah as “the best moment of my life,” Olazábal remains a legendary figure in European golf.
“Olly embodies everything the Ryder Cup and European golf stand for,” Donald said. “Having him back on the team is a huge boost for us.
“He lives and breathes blue and gold. His passion for the Ryder Cup is unmatched, and he’s a true inspiration—something that had a big impact in Rome.”
Olazábal joins Thomas Bjorn and data expert Edoardo “Dodo” Molinari on Donald’s support team.
The 2025 Ryder Cup is scheduled for 26–28 September at Bethpage Black.
