European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald has tapped Spanish golf icon Jose Maria Olazabal as his third vice-captain for the 2025 Ryder Cup, set for September 26-28 at Bethpage Black, the team announced Wednesday.
The 59-year-old Olazabal, a two-time Masters champion and Ryder Cup legend, brings unmatched passion and experience to Team Europe as they aim to defend their title on American soil.
Olazabal, who captained Europe to a historic comeback victory at Medinah in 2012 — the last time Europe won in the U.S. — returns to the vice-captain role after serving in the same capacity under Donald in 2023, when Europe triumphed 16½-11½ at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Italy.
This will mark his fifth stint as a vice captain (2008, 2010, 2014, 2023), adding to his storied Ryder Cup legacy. As a player, Olazabal competed in seven Ryder Cups from 1987 to 2006, amassing 20½ points across 31 matches, including 12 points alongside the late Seve Ballesteros in the most successful partnership in the event’s history.
“It’s wonderful news,” Olazábal said in a statement. “I thought about it for a while because, you know, being in New York, it’s not going to be easy. But the Ryder Cup is very close to my heart. I have wonderful memories about this event, so I said yes.”
He praised Donald’s meticulous leadership in Rome, noting, “Luke took care of absolutely all the details: players, caddies, families. I believe he will do a very good job this time round too.”
Donald, who led Europe to victory in 2023 and was confirmed as captain for 2025 last November, emphasized Olazabal’s invaluable presence.
Legends don’t just face the pressure. They thrive in it. pic.twitter.com/TyT7LgdDm7
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) April 23, 2025
“He bleeds blue and gold like nobody else,” Donald said. “His passion for the Ryder Cup is second to none. It’s also extremely important for us to have the last captain to have won on foreign soil on our side.”
Facing a raucous New York crowd and a Bethpage Black course likely tailored to favor the U.S. team, Olazabal’s experience and fiery spirit could prove pivotal as Europe seeks to repeat their 2012 magic.
Olazabal joins returning vice-captains Thomas Bjorn and Edoardo Molinari, with two more appointments expected.
