In an unexpected turn during the opening round of the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, Luke Donald, the current European Ryder Cup captain, delivered an impressive performance by shooting a 4-under-par 67. At 47 years old and primarily focused on his captaincy leading up to the Ryder Cup, Donald’s participation in this tournament marked a significant moment, especially since he hadn’t made the cut in his last five events.
Donald teed off first alongside renowned golfers Padraig Harrington and Martin Kaymer, reflecting on the honor of initiating the tournament. He expressed surprise at his strong start in a venue he initially deemed challenging for his game, particularly due to his shorter driving distance. “It was a pleasant surprise,” he stated, crediting his steady performance on the front nine and excellent putting for his bogey-free round—his first in a major since 2015 and tied for his lowest career first round in a major dating back to 2004.
Moreover, Donald acknowledged the focus on his role as a captain rather than his playing ability, admitting that he wouldn’t be competing if not for his captaincy position. Despite his current non-competitive status, he retains a passion for the game and appreciates the opportunity to play.
His performance stands in contrast to fellow Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley, who also started strong at 3-under par. Donald humorously remarked on the possibility of a tie in the Ryder Cup, where Europe would retain the trophy if the score remains even at the end of the competition, showcasing friendly rivalry.
This surprising showing by Donald inspires optimism as he prepares for the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, demonstrating that while age and circumstances may seem limiting, a seasoned player can still shine on a grand stage.