Harrington named as Team Europe vice captain for Ryder Cup 2027

Padraig Harrington will return to Europe’s Ryder Cup setup as a vice captain for the 2027 contest at Adare Manor. 

He rejoins the team after previously believing his involvement in the competition had come to an end.

The three-time major champion was named by captain Luke Donald as part of Europe’s backroom staff for the match against the United States in Ireland. 

Harrington joins fellow vice captains Edoardo Molinari and Francesco Molinari as Europe begins preparations for a Ryder Cup that will be played on Irish soil for the first time.

The appointment adds another chapter to Harrington’s long association with the event. 

The 54-year-old represented Europe six times as a player, winning four Ryder Cups, before serving as a vice captain on three occasions. 

He later captained Europe at Whistling Straits in 2021, where the United States secured a record 19-9 victory.

Harrington has spent more than two decades around the Ryder Cup environment and has worked alongside many of the players who are expected to form the core of Europe’s team in 2027. 

His understanding of pairings, team dynamics and match-play strategy is expected to be a valuable resource throughout the build-up and competition week.

He recently admitted he thought his Ryder Cup career had effectively ended after his stint as captain. 

However, discussions with Donald during The Open led to a change of heart, with both men agreeing that the Irishman still had an important role to play within the European team structure.

With a career spanning more than three decades, recording victories at The Open Championship and PGA Championship, Harrington remains one of Ireland’s most successful golfers. 

His standing within the European game and his Ryder Cup pedigree made him a natural candidate when Donald began assembling his support team.

Europe regained the trophy in Rome in 2023 before successfully defending it in New York in 2025. His return gives Europe another experienced input as the continent seeks a third consecutive Ryder Cup victory.