Padraig Harrington named vice-captain for Europe's 2027 Ryder Cup team

Padraig Harrington will serve as a Ryder Cup vice captain for the fourth time after being named to European captain Luke Donald's staff for the 2027 event on Wednesday.

Harrington, 54, joins brothers Edoardo and Francesco Molinari on Donald's staff for the competition that will take place at Adare Manor in Limerick, Ireland, from Sept. 17-19 next year.

Born in Ireland's capital city of Dublin, Harrington is a three-time major champion who also played on four Ryder Cup-winning teams. Europe has won the past two Ryder Cups.

Harrington, who compiled 10 1/2 points as a Ryder Cup player, served as Europe's captain in 2021 when they lost to the United States at Whistling Straits. Donald was a vice captain on his staff.

"Luke and I arranged to meet up at The Open and chatted about it, and we felt we could strike up a good team again," Harrington said. "Obviously, he was my vice captain (in 2021), and we have worked together as vice captains in the past. And certainly, I feel I've something to give."

Last year, Donald also named Alex Noren, Thomas Bjorn and Jose Maria Olazabal to his staff. Nicolas Colsaerts, who served alongside Donald in 2023, will not be part of the 2027 staff.

"It's something I didn't expect. I honestly didn't think I'd ever wear the European Ryder Cup logo again," Harrington said. "So I'm very happy to be part of it. The Ryder Cup has been a special part of my life. Representing Europe has always been one of the highlights of my golfing career, and to be able to do it again in this situation, especially in Ireland, is special. You wouldn't want to miss out with it being in Ireland, so I'm very pleased.

"I think it will be a spectacular occasion and one of the great sporting events to be played in the country. The whole of Ireland will be behind it, watching it, enjoying it and living it. The fans are going to be fantastic, and I think the atmosphere will be second to none."

--Field Level Media