\t\t\t\tLuke Donald\u2019s backroom team will have a new face for the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor \u2013 and he\u2019s as shocked as anyone\u2026 <\/p>\n
Padraig Harrington was convinced his involvement with the Ryder Cup was over.<\/p>\n
The Irishman has had quite the relationship with the biennial slobberknocker between the teams from Europe and the United States. Harrington competed in all six editions between 1999 and 2010, winning four and returning 10.5 points from 25 matches, before going onto serve as an assistant to Paul McGinley, Darren Clarke and Thomas Bjorn in 2014, \u201916 and \u201918 respectively. But when he was handed the reins at Whistling Straits in 2021, where he led the side to a humiliating record-breaking 19-9 defeat.<\/p>\n
That was, to date, his last involvement with the competition. But with next year\u2019s matches set for Adare Manor<\/a>, in his homeland, Donald \u2013 who was an assistant to Harrington in that fateful week in Wisconsin \u2013 felt like it was the perfect time to bring the three-time major champion back into the blue and yellow fold.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m thrilled to have Padraig on board,\u201d he said. \u201cHis experience, insight and connection with the Irish fans make him a fantastic addition to our team.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve been around Padraig in many Ryder Cup team rooms. He brings a wealth of experience, and I do love the fact that there\u2019s a connection. He understands the Irish crowds and all that goes with having a Ryder Cup in Ireland. I think it\u2019s going to be very special for him.\u201d<\/p>\n