Luke Donald has named Nicolas Colsaerts as his third vice-captain for next year’s Ryder Cup in Italy as he joins Thomas Bjorn and Edoardo Molinari in the support team – 11 years after helping guide Europe to glory at the Miracle of Medinah
- Nicolas Colsaerts has been chosen to be Europe’s third vice-captain for the 2023 Ryder Cup
- The Belgian played a key role when they won the Miracle of Medinah a decade ago
- Luke Donald confirmed the selection, with Thomas Bjorn and Edoardo Molinari also
Luke Donald has chosen Nicolas Colsaerts to be his third vice-captain at next September’s Ryder Cup in Rome.
The Belgian will join Thomas Bjorn and Edoardo Molinari in Donald’s support team for Europe’s clash with the US, which will come 11 years after his role in the so-called Miracle of Medinah in 2012.
Making his Cup debut, Colsaerts memorably carded eight birdies and an eagle with Lee Westwood to defeat Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker in the Friday fourball session.
Nicolas Colsaerts has been selected as Europe’s third vice-captain for next year’s Ryder Cup
Colsaerts, a three-time DP World Tour winner, said: ‘My first reaction when Luke asked me was sheer joy. Every time I hear the words “Ryder Cup”, it brings me back to the edition I played, how proud I was to wear the European colors and be part of such an incredible event. Of course, Luke was also on that team and when we spoke he mentioned how much he loved the Ryder Cup meant to me.
‘Being vice-captain is a different role to being a player but, nevertheless, my mission in 2023 will be exactly the same as in 2012, that is, to contribute to the team in any way I can. Rest assured, whatever you ask me to do, I will do it.’
Donald added: ‘Nico has been on my mind for a few months now to be honest. I played in the team with him in 2012 and you can see how much it means to him. He understands what it means to represent the European crest and what it means to be part of the Ryder Cup set-up. When I asked him, he literally got goosebumps – so I’m delighted to have him as my third vice-captain.’
The 44th Ryder Cup will take place over three days next September and October at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club near Rome.
US captain Zach Johnson (L) and Europe captain Luke Donald will lead their side next fall
The hosts will be hoping to reclaim the trophy, which the United States held after their 19-9 win in Whistling Straits last year.
Donald retained Thomas Bjorn and Edoardo Molinari as vice-captains after they were appointed by former captain Henrik Stenson, who was sacked due to his involvement in the LIV Golf project.
US captain Zach Johnson named Steve Stricker as his first vice-captain when he was confirmed for the role in February.
Colsaerts was the captain’s choice for the 2012 Ryder Cup, and he scored a point in fourballs as Europe came from behind to beat the USA on the final day of play.
Henrik Stenson (C) names Edoardo Molinari (L) and Thomas Bjorn as vice-captains before exiting
