Justin Rose has hinted he will focus on making the next Ryder Cup as a player rather than pushing a claim to lead the European team.
The 45-year-old has long been viewed as a potential successor to Luke Donald for the 2027 match at Adare Manor in Ireland, but it was a plan rooted in the assumption that his game would dwindle with age.
As there are currently no signs of that happening, particularly in his sterling performances in the victory at Bethpage Black, the world No 12 would want to avoid the dilemma faced by Keegan Bradley, whose haphazard appointment to the captaincy of Team USA was followed immediately by questions of whether he should be playing instead.
Speaking ahead of his departure from New York, Rose indicated he is more likely to delay entering the fray for a captain’s role, though it is also unclear if there will even be vacancy for 2027, with Donald deliberating whether to continue after back-to-back victories. Donald’s success has effectively earned him the right to choose – a decision he will make in the coming weeks.
Rose said: ‘The captaincy would compromise my playing schedule and that’s the decision I haven’t come to terms with, or made. I’m not even sure when this decision needs to be made. There’s no clear path on this. It’s Luke’s decision, first and foremost, to see what he wants to do, and then go from there.
Justin Rose doesn’t intend to be Luke Donald’s successor at the next Ryder Cup
‘The sentiment, from captains and vice-captains, is that if you can play, play. Nothing beats playing.
‘Luke’s given a new dimension to the captaincy, I think, and what it means to be a captain, how much effort is involved in it. So, he’s set a really high standard.
‘You’ve got to be ready for that, as and when. But over the years, the boys have said you can’t beat playing days, they’re the times of your life. Protect that first and foremost.’
Rose added: ‘The captaincy is not in two years’ time, it starts in two months. That’s something I haven’t got my head around. Luke has the opportunity to decide what he wants to do. That’s number one.’
