Luke Donald makes Team Europe update less than 24 hours after naming Ryder Cup team
Luke Donald has named Alex Noren as his final Vice Captain for this month’s Ryder Cup.
The decision comes just 24 hours after Donald announced his six captain's picks for the event to complete his squad.
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Noren played a key role in Team Europe’s victory in 2018 in Paris where he secured two points from three matches.
He is best remembered for his heroic 40-foot putt on the 18th green to beat Bryson DeChambeau in the win over Team USA.
And now Noren joins Francesco and Edoardo Molinari, Thomas Bjørn and Jose Maria Olazabal in Donald’s team for the showpiece tournament at Bethpage Black, New York.
“It was a big shock when I found out. I didn’t expect it at all. I want to bring a good attitude to the team room. Bring some knowledge. I’ve been in this game a long time,” said Noren.
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“This Ryder Cup is going to be one of the toughest ones to win because of where it is. It's going to be a very tough crowd, but I think that can feed our players as well.
“All of us who are part of the team have played a lot in America, so we're used to the fans, we're used to the courses, the course setups.
“We don't get to be part of team events that often,” the Swede added. “We all know how much it means for everybody who's part of it, and who has played on it and we’re looking forward to it.”
Team Europe captain Donald said: “I'm really delighted to announce Alex Noren as our final vice captain.
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"Alex brings a lot to the table, he is obviously a Ryder Cup player himself, having played in 2018 in France, and he has played on both the DP World Tour and the PGA Tour at very high level.
“I am excited to have him on board with the team and he just couldn't have been happier, more honoured, to take the role.
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“He will do everything that he can to help the team. He's a humble guy, it’s never about Alex. It's always about the team and I just think he has great characteristics, which will be vital for his role as a Vice Captain.
“I love Alex's demeanour, his work ethic, how he goes about things. He prepares as well as anyone when it comes to his golf. And you know that is important.
“There's a bond there with some of the Scandinavian players on our team, but he gets along so well with everyone.
"He is a good friend of mine, we practise together at the Bears Club where other players who are going to be on that team also practise. So he has a great familiarity with a lot of the guys and I think that's really useful.
“It's full steam ahead now. I’m extremely excited to have everything in place, the last pieces of the puzzle. The team is set, the VCs are set, and we’re ready to go.”
What are Noren's credentials?
Noren was victorious in last month's British Masters, winning the tournament for the second time. It resulted in the 43-year-old picking up his 11th DP World Tour title.
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He has represented Team Europe at various competitions over the years including appearances at the Royal Trophy in 2010 and the Seve Trophy 12 months later.
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He also featured in the World Cup of Golf for Sweden in 2011 and 2016 before playing a key role in Europe’s victory at the 2018 EurAsia Cup.
His most recent team appearance came at the 2023 Hero Cup, helping Continental Europe’s claim victory.