Bernard Gallagher and Sam Torrance (left) celebrate winning the Ryder Cup after the European victory at Oak Hill in 1995. Allsport/Stephen Munday
Bernard Gallagher believes the plethora of Ryder Cup legends pulling out of the DP World Tour means Europe will have to appoint captains for multiple matches — starting with Luke Donald, left after Rome in September, to headline the match 2025. .
Gallagher was the last captain to lead the Blue and Gold Brigade more than once, eventually leading the team to glory on the third try in 1995.
It wasn't just that the last time in Europe was neither Lee Westwood, nor Ian Poulter, nor Sergio Garcia, the LIV Golf trio, which, according to the rules, lost the right to participate in the Biennale by surrendering their cards. – but this match was also hosted in Oak Hill, located in upstate New York, which hosts the PGA USA Championship, the second major season this week.
Sergio Garcia (left), Lee Westwood (second from left) and Ian Poulter (right) celebrate winning the 2014 Ryder Cup with Rory McIlroy — only McIlroy is still ineligible tournament. Photo: Action Images/Paul Childs
Gallagher is confident that memories of a 14½-13½ victory 28 years ago will come flooding back and is adamant that the experience he has already gained has served Europe well as they managed to avoid a hat-trick of consecutive defeats.
«Since we've lost players like Westwood and company, I think we need captains to play home and away, maybe starting with Luke now.» the Scot said. " That's how it was in the old days. Tony Jacklin did it four times because he was such an outstanding captain. When I took part in the '91 match, I was told that I would play this match on the island of Kiawa and then on Belfry.
" I thought I did it. But there were not many candidates. Sev [Ballesteros] was the obvious choice, but it was too early for him, so I was asked to continue.
«I wasn't sure until I got an email from one of the top players who said, 'You need to do it again — your experience in the role you've already played will serve us well.' ;. This convinced me. I know we've had so many big European names that deserve their chance, but it doesn't make sense to just drop successful captains after the first time.
“Now circumstances may need to change, and in Luke we have there is a decent guy who will do all the necessary preparation and even more. I think he will do a good job and his quiet but confident nature could be exactly what is required in a 2025 match to be held at Bethpage in New York with a hostile crowd"
Bernard Gallagher supports Luke Donald to become a multiple Ryder Cup captain. Photo: Getty Images/Andrew Redington
Telegraph Sport understands that this idea has already been discussed in the corridors of power, but it all depends on how Europe behaves as the US tries to win in away territory for the first time in 30 years.
Justin Rose has been mentioned as the favorite to replace Donald, but he may have preferred to wait until the 2027 match at Adare Manor in Co. Limerick. Francesco Molinari is another option, but in the absence of challengers, Tour may have to take a pragmatic stand and make appointments.
Gallagher agreed that it was «sad to see Lee, Sergio and Yang go»; with Henrik Stenson, who was removed as captain last July after joining the Saudi-funded scheme and has since retired as well. "But they must have known it would happen when they decided to register with LIV" Gallagher said.
"They did it for money, which is understandable, but they can't really moan because if there was no deal with LIV, it was inevitable. And when DP World Tour signed this «strategic alliance»; with the PGA Tour and actually jumped into bed with them, any agreement was impossible."
Gallagher is one of the most revered figures who graced the European tour. A statue of him stands behind Wentworth's first football ground, where the Tour is based, and he still plays on the field several times a week. So his comments about relations with American circuits — and especially his fears that the top 10 players on the DP World Tour will earn their cards on the PGA Tour this season — will raise eyebrows at HQ.
< img src=" /wp-content/uploads/2023/05/136fe4899a4454a8a122b9785b329e88.jpg" />Gallagher with Sev Ballesteros at the 1995 Ryder Cup. Photo: Allsport/Simon Bruty
"When I was on the board of directors of the European Tour, we always wanted to maintain our independence and be able to make our own decisions&# 34; He said. “But we were trying to find ways to get our best players on the PGA Tour. And that's exactly what happened under [former CEOs] Ken Schofield and George O'Grady.
“There were World Championship tournaments that our best players could get into, and if they played well enough in those and the big ones, they could win enough money to qualify for the PGA Tour. But only the best players could do it. But now that 10 people are sure to get their PGA Tour cards, I'm afraid we'll become something like the prestigious Korn Ferry Tour. Again, it's about money.
Gallagher also called on Greg Norman, LIV CEO, and Jay Monahan, PGA Tour Commissioner, to «finally get around the table and come up with something»" and argues that large companies should remain independent.
"Since LIV does not get any ranking points, this means that there will be fewer of their guys in large companies," He said. “Now the big companies are getting away with it, but as the benefits run out, the presence of LIV will shrink.
"And it will reduce the number of big players because the best players won't compete with each other. Big players should stay independent and invent other opportunities for LIV golfers"
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