European captain Luke Donald has confirmed Nicolas Colsaerts as his third vice captain for next year's Ryder Cup against Team USA. With the famous match play event now less than a year away, Donald's preparations as skipper are well underway.
The Englishman was named captain after the sacking of predecessor Henrik Stenson due to his decision to join the LIV Golf Series. Donald had already announced 2018 captain Thomas Bjorn and Italian Edoardo Molinari as vice captains.
And now the Englishman has added a third member to his ever-growing team, following the announcement of experienced DP World Tour star Colsaerts.
Colsaerts is no stranger to the European setup, having represented the continent in the famous 2012 'Miracle at Medinah' victory over the Americans. Discussing his new role, the Belgian said: "My first reaction when Luke asked me was sheer joy.
"Every time I hear the words 'Ryder Cup', it takes me back to the edition I played in, how proud I was to wear the European colours and be part of such an unbelievable event. Of course, Luke was in that team too, and when we spoke he mentioned how much he has always loved what the Ryder Cup means to me.
"Being a vice-captain is a different role to being a player but, nevertheless, my mission in 2023 will be exactly the same as it was in 2012, namely, to make a contribution to the team in any way I can. Rest assured, whatever I am asked to do, I will do it.
"We already have two fantastic vice-captains in Thomas Bjørn and Edoardo Molinari, and we already have a special bond between us. We are all different personalities, but that is interesting because when you put us all in a room together you will have different angles, and Luke will be able to take what is best from each of us."
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Donald was also over the moon with his latest acquisition, commenting: "Nico gets along extremely well with all the guys out here on the DP World Tour and he will be a great person to help keep an eye on things here in Europe in periods when I might be in the US.
"There is already great communication between us - myself, Thomas, Edoardo and Nico - and I couldn't be happier with the way my backroom team is shaping up." Europe will be out for revenge after falling to a record-breaking defeat at the hands of the Americans in 2021. Their chance for redemption will come at the Marco Simone course, when they play hosts in Rome.
