Luke Donald made OBE for services to golf

Two-time Ryder Cup-winning captain Luke Donald was made an OBE for services to golf in the King’s Birthday Honours.

Donald, in turn, and rather on point, swiftly paid tribute to the contributions of players, caddies and his backroom staff.

The 48-year-old, who led Europe to back-to-back victories in Rome and New York, is attempting to become the first person in the 100-year history of the biennial contest against the United States to lead a team to three consecutive wins next year at Adare Manor.

“I am very grateful to be receiving this honour,” said Donald, who won four Ryder Cups as a player.

“It is a proud moment for me, for my family and for all the people I have been fortunate to work with throughout my career, both individually and in the Ryder Cup.

“This is a very much recognition of what we have achieved together. That, of course, includes all the players, vice captains, caddies and staff who were part of the Ryder Cup victories in Rome and New York.

“They were special experiences, and I am determined that we go on to enjoy further success at Adare Manor next year.”

Donald is the first person since Bernard Gallacher in 1995 to lead the team in three successive events.

“There’s not one player or one person behind the scenes that isn’t thrilled Luke agreed to come back and do it again,” Rory McIlroy, who has played under seven different captains, said in March.

After defeat in New York even United States captain Keegan Bradley admitted: “I think he’s the best European Ryder Cup captain ever.”