Luke Donald agrees with Tiger Woods decision to shun Ryder Cup captaincy

Luke Donald says he can understand the reasons Tiger Woods has given for shunning a call to captain the US Ryder Cup side at Bethpage Black in New York in 2025.

Donald, 46, has also revealed his 'surprise' at seeing Keegan Bradley get the nod instead. 

The Englishman will skipper the 2025 European Ryder Cup team for a second time in a row following their emphatic five-point victory last time out at Marco Simone in Rome. 

It seemed for all the world that Donald would be up against Woods next year, but the 15-time major champion has decided against the captaincy despite holding numerous conversations with the PGA of America in recent months. 

With Woods, 48, out the running, the PGA turned to Bradley, 38, instead and he accepted the role earlier this month. 

Not before hilariously bashing a former Ryder Cup captain, Woods confirmed this week he just has too much going on with all things PGA Tour / PIF and his upcoming TGL with which to give the Ryder Cup captiancy his full attention. 

And Donald thinks he made the right call. 

Scroll below for Donald's comments...

Donald made his feelings be known about Woods and Bradley during a phone interview announcing his new role as ambassador for OptimallyMe, the leading health technology company that aims to revolutionise personal health through data.

"It sounded like Tiger was someone the PGA certainly targeted and wanted, but Tiger has come out and said he has so much going on, he doesn't feel like he can fulfil the role and give it the time it deserves, so I understand that," said Donald.

"It's certainly a role that takes up a lot of time and commitment, and he obviously doesn't feel like he can do that. I'm sure he will be a captain at some point down the road.

"But yeah Keegan, it was a surprise to all of us. It was a surprise to himself, he's said that. It was an unexpected call he got a week or two ago informing they would like him to become the captain. 

"I think it was surprising because he is still playing at a very high level of golf, he's top 20 in the world, won last year and the year before, he had every chance to be on the team in Rome last year. I think we could all say he was unlucky and could have certainly been picked to be on that team. 

"So yeah, a little surrpising, but in a certain way he's very passionate about the Ryder Cup. I played against him a couple of times at Medinah and could see the passion and how much it meant to him. He loves the event and I'm sure he will bring the passion to his captaincy. I also know him well, so it will be nice to enjoy the next 14 months together as we head to New York."

Luke Donald was speaking in his role as ambassador for OptimallyMe, the leading health technology company that aims to revolutionise personal health through data. To find out more and start your personalised health journey, visit www.optimallyme.com.