Alex Noren of Sweden was named on Monday as Luke Donald’s fifth and final vice captain for the 2025 European Ryder Cup team.
Noren was a key part of Team Europe’s 2018 victory at Le Golf National in Paris, France, securing two points from three matches — including a memorable 40-foot putt on the 18th green to defeat Bryson DeChambeau 1 up in the final Sunday singles match, as Europe triumphed 17½-10½ over the United States.
The 43-year-old veteran pro joins brothers Francesco and Edoardo Molinari, Thomas Bjørn and José María Olazábal in Donald’s completed backroom team as the European side aims to retain the Ryder Cup in New York.
Noren surprised by role as vice captain
“It was a big shock when I found out. I didn’t expect it at all,” Noren said. “I want to bring a good attitude to the team room. Bring some knowledge. I’ve been in this game a long time.”
Noren has claimed 11 DP World Tour titles, most recently at the Betfred British Masters last month, a tournament he won for the second time.
“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 a very high level,” Donald said. 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.”
Noren joins Team Europe as a vice captain one day after Donald named his six captain’s picks.
“It’s full steam ahead now,” Donald said. “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.”
The 45th edition of the biennial competition between 12-man teams from the U.S. and Europe will be played at Bethpage Black in Farmington, New York, from Sept. 26-28.
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