At 46, Graeme McDowell has enjoyed an amazing career in golf over the last two decades. On the PGA Tour, he has won multiple titles, including the prestigious RBC Heritage in 2013. He is also a former major winner, as his first-ever title on American soil was the 2010 U.S. Open Championship. Moreover, McDowell has also enjoyed his time in LIV Golf over the last four years. However, he believes his involvement with the Saudi-based league might ruin his chances of leading Team Europe to Ryder Cup glory.
Having played four Ryder Cups, Graeme has undoubtedly earned his credentials to be considered for the role. And he hopes that he does get to lead the continent against the Americans at some point.
“Of course, I would love to captain Europe. Two years from now, it’s in Adare Manor, and I mean it would be the greatest moment of my life if I could stand up there,” McDowell told Irish Golfer’s Ronan MacNamara. Being the team captain on home soil would be a dream come true.
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He had already missed the call to play in Ireland the last time the Ryder Cup was hosted in his home country in 2006. But back then he had still not established himself well in the PGA Tour and had only won a couple of titles internationally. So, the Irishman never got the opportunity to play for Team Europe on home soil. However, the 2027 Ryder Cup would be the perfect opportunity for him to lead the team there. He would be 48 by then and would be a great candidate to make the team.
But, McDowell doesn’t believe that it will happen. Speaking about the current unrest regarding LIV Golf, he said, “I understand what has happened, and it goes back to the fact that we didn’t envisage how deeply fractured the golf world would become. I thought the Ryder Cup was above all of that. It’s high-level politics, and it’s extremely disappointing because I love the Ryder Cup.”
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To a certain extent, the Ryder Cup is above the conflict between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. That’s the reason Tyrrell Hatton and Jon Rahm were welcomed back to Team Europe with open arms. However, Bryson DeChambeau not receiving an exemption from the PGA Tour for the Procore Championship is also a prime example of why it’s still fractured. And maybe that’s where they draw the line. And it’s hard to predict whether those gates will be opened in the next two years.
Having said that, there is a big distinction between what Bryson DeChambeau faced and how Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton are treated. And that may play in favor of Graeme McDowell.
Can Graeme McDowell replace Luke Donald for the 2027 Ryder Cup?
Going into Bethpage, Luke Donald’s Team Europe is definitely the favorite. They have a stronger squad with a better dynamic and pose a compelling threat to the Americans. Even if Donald & Co. do end up beating Team U.S. in New York, it’s uncertain if the captain will return for a third stint. And if he does decide to give up his position, then Graeme McDowell will certainly be a great candidate to replace him.
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In the four Ryder Cups he has played from 2008 to 2014, the Irishman holds an impressive record of 8-5-2. He has earned 9 points for Team Europe in the 15 matches he has played. Interestingly, he has also served as the vice-captain for Thomas Bjørn in 2018 and Padraig Harrington in 2021. That makes him an outstanding candidate for the role of a captain.
As far as his connection with LIV Golf goes, Team Europe is generally more accepting of players from the Saudi-based league. They proved that by welcoming Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton back to the squad for the 2025 Ryder Cup. Hence, despite his skepticism, Graeme McDowell might still be the Team Europe captain for the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor, in County Limerick, Ireland.