Why Luke Donald gave every reporter at Dubai Desert Classic a glass of bubbly
European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald sent every reporter a glass of champagne at Emirates Golf Club after making an ace at the Dubai Desert Classic.
European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald made an ace during the second round of the Dubai Desert Classic.
Unfortunately there was no footage of the hole-in-one at the DP World Tour event.
But that didn't stop the Englishman celebrating - and he gifted every member of the media covering the event at Emirates Golf Club a glass of champagne.
Donald's ace arrived on the par-3 fourth hole. The pin was tucked at the back left of the green.
The Englishman revealed it was a perfectly struck 8-iron from 186 yards.
"I just hit a cut 8-iron and over this little hill," he said.
"My eye sight is not that good these days. I couldn't see it but I saw some people behind the green jumping up-and-down.
"[It was] a shame it wasn't on camera but nice to get one of those."
So how many hole-in-ones has Donald had in his career?
"I've had three in tournaments, and I think that was number 19 total," he said.
"So I've been pretty fortunate with the hole-in-ones. Sorry for anyone out there who has never had one. I've obviously taken them."
Donald ended his second round with his overall score at 1-under, 12 shots behind the leader Cameron Young.
Defending champion Rory McIlroy was well off the pace.
As for Donald, he will spend the rest of 2024 with his golf once again taking a backseat.
He has confirmed he will lead the European Ryder Cup team at the 2025 contest at Bethpage Black.
The 45-year-old oversaw Europe's 16½ - 11½ victory last September in Italy and couldn't pass up the opportunity to become the second captain to win back-to-back cups.
When he was re-appointed to the role, he said: "I love what the Ryder Cup represents.
"I've had so many amazing experiences as a Ryder Cup player and obviously as a captain, and to be given the honour to go back-to-back is very special for me."
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