Three-time major winner Padraig Harrington appointed Luke Donald’s Ryder Cup vice-captain

The 54-year-old Dubliner will join brothers Edoardo and Francesco Molinari in Europe’s backroom team as they look to secure a third successive Ryder Cup victory against the United States.

Harrington brings a wealth of Ryder Cup experience to Donald’s team, having represented Europe as a player on six occasions and previously served as a vice-captain three times before taking charge himself at the 2021 contest at Whistling Straits.

Although Europe suffered defeat in Wisconsin, Harrington is delighted to once again be involved in the competition, particularly with the event returning to Ireland for the first time since 2006.

“I honestly didn’t think I’d ever wear the European Ryder Cup logo again, so I’m very happy to be part of it,” Harrington said.

“Representing Europe has always been one of the highlights of my golfing career and to be able to do it again in this situation, especially in Ireland, is special.”

Donald has remained as Europe captain after overseeing victories in Rome in 2023 and New York in 2025, with the Englishman now aiming to become the first captain to win three consecutive Ryder Cups.

Only Ben Hogan, Sam Snead and Bernard Gallacher have previously captained a Ryder Cup team three times in a row, and Donald believes Harrington’s experience will be crucial as Europe attempt to make history at Adare Manor.

“I’ve been around Padraig in many Ryder Cup team rooms, as a player, as a vice captain to his captaincy, and he’s been a vice captain before as well,” Donald said. “So he brings a wealth of experience.

“I do love the fact that there’s a connection. He understands the Irish crowds and all that goes with having a Ryder Cup in Ireland. I think it’s going to be very special for him.”

The 2027 Ryder Cup will mark the first time the event has been staged in Ireland since the K Club hosted the competition in 2006, when Harrington was part of the European side that recorded an emphatic 18½-9½ victory.

The former Open and PGA Championship winner is expecting a memorable occasion when golf’s biggest team event returns to the country.

“You wouldn’t want to miss out with it being in Ireland, so I’m very pleased,” Harrington added.

“I think it will be a spectacular occasion and one of the great sporting events to be played in the country. The whole of Ireland will be behind it, watching it, enjoying it and living it.

“The fans are going to be fantastic, and I think the atmosphere will be second to none.”

Harrington featured in 25 Ryder Cup matches during his player career, earning 10½ points for Europe across six appearances.

Alongside his three major championships, he has won 44 professional tournaments and continues to compete on the DP World Tour and in major championships, including the most recent edition of The Open.

Since turning 50 in 2021, Harrington has also enjoyed significant success on the Champions Tour, matching the record of three US Senior Open victories.