LIV Golf star makes bold Ryder Cup captaincy call | Golf News

Following consecutive Ryder Cup victories for Team Europe under Luke Donald’s management, the English captain would possibly select to step down while at his peak, quite than gamble his popularity on an unprecedented third straight triumph.

Donald, who guided Team Europe to success in both Rome and Bethpage, has garnered great admiration, but following three demanding years in command, he might choose to cross the torch, with one particular person doubtlessly positioning themselves for a transfer that might pave the best way for home expertise to assume control at Adare Manor in 2027.

Sources recommend that three-time major winner Padraig Harrington might be mounting a marketing campaign for an sudden comeback as Europe’s Ryder Cup skipper, with LIV Golf participant Richard Bland among those backing his candidacy.

According to Bunkered, Bland just lately said that Harrington “deserves another crack at a captaincy” given all the pieces he is completed throughout the last three many years.

With the upcoming European Ryder Cup scheduled for Ireland at Adare Manor, anticipation has never been increased that Harrington would possibly once again helm the workforce on one of his acquainted home venues.

Bland continued: “I think coming to Ireland, as strong as America will be – they will always be a strong team – I think we will be huge favourites.

“In entrance of an Irish crowd, whether or not it will likely be an Irish captain, we’ll wait and see. Obviously, relying on what Luke decides to do. But I feel [the US] are going to be actually up against it.”

Harrington’s previous captaincy experience came at the 2021 Ryder Cup held at Whistling Straits, where Europe endured a crushing 19-9 loss.

Despite that setback, Bland and fellow professionals think he demonstrated strong leadership amid challenging conditions and that playing on home soil could kickstart his comeback story.

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Bland explained: “The beating we took in Whistling Straits, I feel a lot of it was to do with the fact that we did not have the assist there because it was just popping out of COVID.

“Whether Harrington gets another crack at a captaincy, which, in my opinion, I feel he deserves with the player that he’s been over the last sort of 30 years.”

Ireland has emerged as a hotbed for developing {golfing} stars, and with passionate home crowds rallying behind him alongside Irish rivals, the ambiance will undoubtedly energize Team Europe.

Bland, who presently performs on the LIV tour, continued: “I feel he does deserve another crack at it. I feel it was a little bit hard for him going there with no support.”

Harrington definitely possesses the {qualifications} for the position, having participated in quite a few Ryder Cups as a participant, served in assistant captain positions, and maintained a outstanding presence in European golf.