Noren Named as Donald’s Final Ryder Cup Vice Captain
Alex Noren has been named Luke Donald’s fifth and final vice captain for the upcoming Ryder Cup. The Swedish veteran joins a leadership team that’s largely unchanged from Europe’s victory at Marco Simone last year.
Noren brings valuable experience to the role, having secured two points from three matches during Europe’s 2018 victory at Le Golf National. Golf fans might remember his clutch 40-foot putt on the 18th hole that defeated Bryson DeChambeau in the final Sunday singles match.
“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.”
He’s the only new addition to Donald’s leadership team, joining holdovers Francesco and Edoardo Molinari, Thomas Bjorn and José María Olazabal. Nicolas Colsaerts is the only vice captain not returning from the 2023 squad.
What makes Noren particularly valuable is his connection to the European team’s Scandinavian contingent. He’ll likely serve as a bridge to Rasmus Hojgaard (Denmark), Viktor Hovland (Norway) and Ludvig Åberg (Sweden).
Donald highlighted Noren’s team-first mentality as a key factor in the selection. “He will do everything that he can to help the team. He’s a humble guy, it’s never about Alex,” Donald said. “He is a good friend of mine. We practice together at the Bears Club in Jupiter, Florida, where other players who are going to be on that team also practice. So he has a great familiarity with a lot of the guys and I think that’s really useful.”
The 2024 Ryder Cup will be contested at Bethpage Black in New York from September 26-28. It’s a venue known for its boisterous crowds, where Noren’s steady presence could prove valuable behind the scenes.
