The exodus of of Ryder Cup legends from the DP World Tour to LIV Golf has created a dilemma for the organisers of the biennial match between Europe and the USA.
Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter, and Lee Westwood were the three best players from a generation of European dominance in the Ryder Cup, but with the three having resigned from the DP World Tour, it leaves a massive void in terms of captaincy for future events.
However, The Telegraph have reported that the idea of having the same captain for multiple matches 'has already been floated in the corridors of power, but depends on how Europe fare as the US try to win on away soil for the first time in 30 years.'
Bernard Gallacher, the last man to captain multiple European teams, has had his say on the matter and has backed Luke Donald to lead Europe again after this year's event.
Because we've lost the likes of Westwood and co, I think we'll need to have captains doing home and away matches, maybe starting with Luke now.
That was what it was like in the old days. Tony Jacklin did it four times, because he was such an outstanding captain. When I took over for the '91 match, they told me I'd do that one at Kiawah Island and then at the Belfry.
LIV Golf Feud Leaves Ryder Cup Captaincy Dilemma
"It's a shame. It's sad that we've got to this point." 🗣️
Ryder Cup stars Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood will all be ineligible to play in this year’s competition after defecting to LIV Golf ❌@iaincartergolf got Europe captain Luke Donald's reaction 👇#BBCGolf— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) May 4, 2023
READ HERE: Greg Norman Confirms Possibility Of LIV Golf Coming To Co. Clare
READ HERE: Lee Westwood's Ryder Cup Comments Come Back To Bite Him After DP World Tour Resignation
Gallacher captained Europe three times, the last of which was a win on American soil in 1995.
Europe are now lacking options, with the 2025 Ryder Cup probably being too early for Justin Rose, while there are still question marks over LIV Golf members Graeme McDowell and Martin Kaymer and their DP World Tour membership.
However, it does leave the door open for Pádraig Harrington to captain once again.
"The circumstances may now necessitate a change and in Luke we have a decent guy who will do all the preparation required and more", added Gallacher.
"I think he'll do a good job and his quiet but assured personality could be just what is required in the 2025 match, which is at Bethpage in New York and will feature a hostile crowd."
