Ryder Cup captains 2023: Tale of the Tape
Being a Ryder Cup captain is one of the greatest honours in golf, so who are they in 2023 and how do their own careers compare?
To be chosen as a Ryder Cup captain is to be recognised for a glittering career and as a senior figure from your continent.
Zach Johnson was a vice-captain twice before taking the reins as Team USA’s leader in 2023, looking to win for the first time on away soil since 1993.
After dominating proceedings at Whistling Straits in 2021, the United States has retained many of its members from two years ago including Scottie Scheffler, Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth and Collin Morikawa.
Eyebrows were raised when Thomas was chosen despite lacking good form on the PGA Tour, while the inclusion of Sam Burns was another point of contention.
Donald was awarded the European captaincy at the 2023 Ryder Cup when Henrik Stenson was removed from the role for making a big-money move to LIV Golf.
Like Johnson, Donald has built experience by acting as a vice-captain at the last two Ryder Cups. He was preferred to the likes of Robert Karlsson and Paul Lawrie who were also in the running to be captain.
The Englishman is tasked with defending Europe’s impeccable home record and wrestling back the gold trophy they lost last time out in humiliating fashion.
Both captains have rich Ryder Cup careers full of highs and lows, but what are their individual records and and how well did they perform for their respective nations?
Who are the Ryder Cup captains?
Luke Donald
Age: 45
Majors: 0
Professional wins: 17
Ryder Cup matches as a player: 2004, 2006, 2010, 2012
Ryder Cup playing record: P15 W10 H1 L4
Ryder Cup points: 10.5
Ryder Cup victories: Four (2004, 2006, 2010, 2012)
Previous Ryder Cup as captain: None
Vice-captains for Marco Simone: Francesco Molinari, Edoardo Molinari, Jose Maria Olazabal, Thomas Bjorn & Nicolas Colsaerts
Zach Johnson
Age: 47
Majors: 2 (Masters 2007, The Open Championship 2015)
Professional wins: 26
Ryder Cup matches as a player: 2006, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016
Ryder Cup playing record: P17 W8 H2 L7
Ryder Cup points: 9
Ryder Cup victories: One (2016)
Previous Ryder Cup as captain: None
Vice-captains for Marco Simone: Fred Couples, Steve Stricker, Davis Love III & Jim Furyk
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Matt Chivers
Now on the wrong side of 25, Matt has been playing golf since the age of 13 and was largely inspired to take up the game by countless family members who played golf during his childhood.
Matt is a member at Royal Cinque Ports in Deal playing off a 5 handicap, just a pitching wedge away from his hometown of Dover where he went to school and grew up. He has previously been a member at Etchinghill and Walmer and Kingsdown in Kent.
Having studied history at the University of Liverpool, Matt went on to pass his NCTJ Exams in Manchester a year later to fulfil his lifelong ambition of becoming a journalist. He picked up work experience along the way at places such as the Racing Post, the Independent, Sportsbeat and the Lancashire Evening Post.
Matt joined NCG in February 2023 and is the website’s main source of tour news, features and opinion. He has reported live from events such as The Open, the Ryder Cup and The Players Championship, having also interviewed and spent time with some of the biggest names in the sport.
Consuming tour golf on what is a 24/7 basis, you can come to Matt for informed views on the game and the latest updates on the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, LPGA Tour, Ladies European Tour and LIV Golf.
What’s in Matt’s bag: Cobra LTDx LS driver, Cobra LTDx 3-wood, TaylorMade P7MC irons, Ping Glide 4.0 wedges, Odyssey putter.
