Luke Donald has named Irishman Padraig Harrington as his third vice-captain for the 2027 Ryder Cup which will be played at Adare Manor in Ireland in September next year.
Harrington joins the Molinari brothers, Edoardo and Francesco, in Donald's backroom team for next year's contest, as Team Europe seek a third consecutive Ryder Cup victory following wins at Marco Simone in 2023 and Bethpage Black in 2025.
The three-time major champion, one of Ireland's most decorated and popular sporting heroes, was a player in the only previous Ryder Cup to be played in his home country in 2006.
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He represented Europe six times in total as a player - including being part of four triumphs - and was previously a vice-captain on three occasions before becoming captain for the 2021 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits.
"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," said Harrington.
"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.
"Luke has a very strong team around him already and he felt that we would work well together.
"It's something I didn't expect. I honestly didn't think I'd ever wear the European Ryder Cup logo again. 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."
Donald said: "Padraig is someone I thought about quite a lot, especially with it being in Adare.
"I've been around Padraig in many Ryder Cup team rooms, as a player, as a vice-captain to his captaincy, and he's been a vice-captain before in the past as well.
"So he brings a wealth of experience, and I do love the fact that there's a connection. He understands the Irish crowds and all that goes with having a Ryder Cup in Ireland. I think it's going to be very special for him.
"He's loved in Ireland with what he's achieved in the game, and that will only bring more energy to our team. We'll get the fans even more behind us, and you know I think that can only be a good thing. I'm very excited to have his expertise."
Harrington made his Ryder Cup debut at The Country Club in Brookline in 1999 and was ever-present for the next five editions, helping Europe to victory in 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2010. He contributed a total of 10½ points to the European Team during that period.
He was named as vice-captain for the first time by fellow Dubliner Paul McGinley for the victory at Gleneagles in 2014, a role he returned to in 2016 at Hazeltine National under Darren Clarke and in 2018 for the victory at Le Golf National in Paris under Denmark's Thomas Bjorn.
Harrington then led Team Europe at the 2021 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits, which was postponed by 12 months due to the Covid pandemic in 2020.
(c) Sky Sports 2026: Ryder Cup 2027: Padraig Harrington named Team Europe vice-captain for Adare Manor by Luke Donald
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