European Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald is relishing the chance to tee it up on his home continent as he starts the first of three consecutive weeks on the DP World Tour at the 2022 Made in HimmerLand.
The Englishman was recently appointed as skipper for the 2023 contest at Marco Simone Golf Club and has wasted no time in putting his stamp on the job.
After consulting on a selection process that will see him have six picks along with three qualifiers from each of the European and World Points Lists, he is now eager to see his potential charges in action, starting at HimmerLand.
“I wanted to be over in Europe a little more and obviously I’ll be there next week and in Italy as well, but this week was a great chance to come over here and spend a little bit of time with my Vice Captains Thomas Bjørn and Edoardo Molinari as they’re both in the field," he said.
“I’ve always supported the DP World Tour and have been a full Member for many years now, but I’ll be over in Europe a little bit more and keeping an eye on some of the players – playing with some of the guys that I haven’t played with or known very well.
“Those up-and-coming stars who might have an opportunity to make a Ryder Cup, and I haven’t seen their game yet. It’s important, the last month since I’ve taken this job I’ve been following the scores a little more closely, but it’s nice to be in the tournaments with them, see how they’re acting, see how they’re playing. Nothing beats actually being there rather than watching from home so it’s a great opportunity for me.
“There will be some changes this year obviously, we’ve gone for three players off the European Points List and three from the World Points List and six picks. It’s certainly a little bit of a change from past years but certainly myself and Edoardo especially, we did a deep dive into some statistical analysis and really thought this was going to give us the best opportunity to have the strongest team for Rome.
“It will give me some flexibility to create some great pairings, and to have the most in-form players available for a pick next September."
Since making its debut in 2014, the Made in HimmerLand has established itself as one of the most popular stops on the DP World Tour, with big crowds gathering for each edition.
I’ll be over in Europe a little bit more and keeping an eye on some of the players – playing with some of the guys that I haven’t played with or known very well
Donald is playing in Denmark for the first time this week and the former World Number One cannot wait to experience the famous atmosphere.
“It’s my first time to Denmark actually," he said. "I’ve crossed through Copenhagen Airport briefly but I haven’t spent any time here so it will be great to meet some of the locals, some of the fans – I know a lot of fans come to this tournament and create a great atmosphere.
“I played the first ten holes, beautiful course in great condition, looks like we’re going to have a great week of weather. It’s a fun little course, there are a few different strategies off the tee. I know 16 is a fun hole for the week with HimmerLand Hill and all the spectators that surround it.
“My game is better this year to where it was last year, there is certainly room for improvement, I’ve been working hard on my game and hope to be competing while I’m keeping an eye on my players as Captain. I’ll work hard on it and hopefully we’ll have some good weeks.”
