In the 2023 Ryder Cup, Team Europe captain Luke Donald’s approach was often described as ‘quiet confidence’. He strategized and planned everything to give his team the best chance to win. For Rory McIlroy, the captain even came in second to Paul McGinley. But while the planning helped the team succeed that year, it was vice captain Nicolas Colsaerts’s hyped-up persona that filled them with energy before every game. Who could forget his war cry on the first tee, where he got the crowd to roar with him for Team Europe? Just like it was an obvious choice to bring Donald back as a captain, it should be easy to decide for Colsaerts, too.

The 42-year-old even fulfilled his roles as the ebullient character to rile up the crowd and the players, and be the go-to person for other DP World Tour players. However, when the returning captain announced his last vice president, Alex Noren, the Belgian’s disappointment was evident. He didn’t mince his words either when he spoke on the Sky Sports Golf podcast. Colsaerts said, “Very disappointed because it’s a competition that I live for. That has basically been the only thing that will get me out of bed for the last couple of years. So extremely disappointed.

“I would have loved to help. It’s not really living the week. It’s the fact that I’m not able to help that I’m disappointed and sad about. The captain is in charge. There is no hard feelings to have about the decision the captain makes. Because the respect of the competition and the respect of who is representing us every two years, I would always back them.”

Colsaerts’ disappointment was understandable too. The Belgian Bomber has been associated with the European Ryder Cup team since he was first named as a wild card selection in 2012. Then, he made one of the most memorable debuts for the event, carding eight birdies and an eagle in the final green fourball session in partnership with Lee Westwood to defeat Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker. After eleven years, he was selected as the vice captain to lead the team. His response? 

“Being a Vice Captain is a different role to being a player but, nevertheless, my mission in 2023 will be exactly the same as it was in 2012, namely, to make a contribution to the team in any way I can.” He has been tagging along the same goal: to help the team. Despite being snubbed, though, the Medinah hero still plans to support the team during Ryder Cup week. Before transitioning to his Sky Sports broadcasting duties that week, he revealed that, “I’m going to mingle a little bit with them early in the week and then coming work with you guys on the weekend.”

This shift from insider to broadcaster reflects the dramatic changes that have occurred for someone so deeply connected to European golf’s biggest stage. But he was not thrilled with his snub, especially with him not even knowing the reason yet. Because Donald made sure to bring other former vice captains back to the team.

Luke Donald’s strategic approach prioritizes familiar faces

The captain’s leadership selections reveal his calculated team-building philosophy. Donald retained four of his five vice-captains from last year’s victorious campaign: Thomas Bjørn, Edoardo Molinari, José María Olazábal, and Francesco Molinari. Meanwhile, Alex Noren emerged as the sole newcomer in the leadership group. Sources close to European golf confirm that Noren brings valuable recent playing experience to the team room. The Swede’s 2018 heroics, including a dramatic 40-foot putt to secure Europe’s victory, influenced this choice.

This strategy reflects Donald’s broader approach for Bethpage Black. The captain retained 11 of the 12 players from the previous triumph despite being criticized for being predictable to create the least changed Ryder Cup team in modern history. Consequently, Donald believes familiarity provides the best foundation for success in hostile New York territory.

He also emphasizes emotional connection over individual talent, proven partnerships, and team chemistry. His approach contrasts sharply with previous captains who focused solely on assembling the “12 best” players available. Colsaerts’ exclusion marks one of Donald’s rare controversial moves as captain. The Belgian’s passionate connection to the Ryder Cup had previously made them a fan favorite. Moreover, his ability to bridge gaps between vice-captains earned widespread respect within Team Europe.

Nevertheless, Donald’s preference for established relationships ultimately shaped his final choice. As September approaches, Colsaerts will watch from the sidelines as Europe attempts to retain the cup. His disappointment runs deep, yet his unwavering support remains unchanged as he said, “I would always wish them good luck. I hope that we keep the cup.”