Scott Michaux: How Luke Donald steered his studs and stars to Ryder Cup glory

Would Graeme McDowell, who has been less contentious in golf’s civil war, be capable of mending the bridges needed to be considered for a vice-captaincy in 2025 or to take the reins at Adare Manor in 2027?

LEADING MAN: Captain of the European Ryder Cup team Luke Donald poses with the Ryder Cup trophy on Monday. Pic: Andrew Redington/Getty Images

Rory McIlroy was in tears when he walked off the course at Whistling Straits two years ago a beaten man on a beaten team. He vowed it wouldn’t happen again.

“I can’t wait to get another shot at this,” he said.