THE RYDER CUP

October 1, 2023

Luke Donald

Marco Simone

Team Europe

Quick Quotes Singles

LUKE DONALD: The U.S. put up a fight, so proud of my 12 guys; a strong bond from day one, and they gave me everything. They trusted me and they delivered for me.

Q. What were you think when the singles were unfolding?

LUKE DONALD: Started off great. Our guys got off to a great start, the early guys which is what we needed. Wanted some blue on the board early, and then a few matches changed to red, and you just kept looking at the board. Kept looking at the board.

We always had some guys at the back, Tommy, Shane and Bobby, all up right now, so maybe it's not going to be quite as close as I thought it might be.

Q. You've had an incredible career, world No. 1, massive championships, where does this rank in your list of achievements?

LUKE DONALD: This is the best. This is why the Ryder Cup is so special to me and to these guys because of these moments. We play for each other and we get to share in that success together, and we get to spend this week together and we'll share those memories forever.

Q. What do you think is the key to this victory?

LUKE DONALD: I gave them a good culture to succeed and laid out a plan on why I thought they were going to win but really it was just staying out of the way. They had to play well and they did the job. I'm just happy they trusted me.

Q. A word for the 13th man? This crowd has been incredible?

LUKE DONALD: Incredible crowd. Obviously a dream to be a captain and a dream to be a home captain. Couldn't ask for a better setting, historic Rome, we made history today.

Q. This is going to be described as a transitional team, a young team, will this team go on other than the likes of Justin who is getting into his mid 40s now?

LUKE DONALD: Not many people gave us a chance after Whistling Straits. We were big underdogs. We started to show some form in the last six months, and I couldn't be happier with the team I got. I think these guys will be around for a long time, and we're going to put up a great fight in two years' time.

Q. A word for your vice captains, all played their part, I'm sure?

LUKE DONALD: Massive. Everyone, support staff, physios, trainers, wives, this was a whole team effort. But my vice captains, we've been a part of 30 Ryder Cups between us and we've been 24. We know a thing about winning. We'll continue that this week.