Luke Donald has gained more experience to strengthen his team ahead of the 2023 Ryder Cup.
On Tuesday, he announced Nicolas Colsaerts of Belgium as the third vice captain for the European team. He joins Thomas Bjorn (left) and Edoardo Molinari (right).
Colsaerts stated that Luke asked her first reaction was pure joy. “Every time I hear the word ‘Ryder Cup’, it brings me back to the edition that I played in. It reminds me of how proud I was to be wearing the European colors and to have been a part of such an amazing event. Luke was also part of that team and we talked about how much he loves the Ryder Cup.
“Being a vice-captain is a different role than being a player, but my mission in 2023 is the same as 2012: to make any contribution I can to the team.”
Colsaerts was 1-3-0 during the 2012 Ryder Cup at Medinah. His lone win came in four-ball. Lee Westwood, his partner, had eight birdies along with an eagle during the round. He beat Tiger Woods on the last hole.
Colsaerts won the DP World Tour three times, the latest being the 2019 Open de France. He has participated in 436 DP World Tour events.
Donald stated that Nico has been on his mind for several months. He said, “I was in the 2012 team with him and you could see how much it meant.” He knows what it means for the European crest to be represented and what it is to be part the Ryder Cup setup. He literally had goosebumps when I asked him – so I’m very happy to have him as my vice captain.
From Sept. 26 to Oct. 1, 2023, the 2023 Ryder Cup is being held at Marco Simone, Rome, Italy.
