Stephen Gallacher appointed 2027 European Junior Ryder Cup captain

Mirroring Luke Donald’s stint as Ryder Cup captain, Gallacher will be at the helm for next year’s Junior Ryder Cup in Limerick after already being involved in the last two contests.

The four-time DP World Tour winner led Europe to a stunning first win over the Americans in 17 years with a record 11-point victory in Rome in 2023 before seeing his side lose 17.5-12.5 in New York in 2025.

Gallacher has now been handed a second opportunity to join Macarena Campomanes and Andy Ingram as the third captain to steer Europe to a brace of victories.

Involving six boys and six girls on each side from 14-16 September, the opening two days in next year’s edition are being held at Ballyneety Golf Club before the decisive singles matches are staged at Adare Manor on the eve of the Ryder Cup.

‘Thrilled’ to have post for Ryder Cup’s centenary edition

“It’s a privilege to lead Team Europe for a third time at the 2027 Junior Ryder Cup in Limerick,” said Gallacher, nephew of Ryder Cup-winning captain Bernard. “After experiencing our record-breaking victory in Rome, I’m thrilled to have the chance to captain the team on home soil once again. The team spirit and bonds made over my past two tenures have been unbelievable.

“It didn’t go our way in America, but we were so close and the togetherness of the group was amazing. To be captain during the 100th anniversary of the Ryder Cup in a home tie at Ballyneety and Adare Manor is special and I can’t wait to watch the new crop of talent.”

Gallacher keeps a close eye on junior golf through the Stephen Gallacher Foundation, with Cameron Adam, who qualified for The Open last year and now playing on the DP World Tour, being one of its products.

“The Junior Ryder Cup returning to the Island of Ireland for the first time since 2002 is extremely exciting and I’m looking forward to working closely with this latest generation and will do everything I can to make sure our 12-strong team has the best chance to regain the Junior Ryder Cup next September,” added the 51-year-old, who received an MBE in the King’s Honours List in 2024 for his services to the sport.

Rory McIlroy, Nicolai Højgaard and Nicolas Colsaerts all tasted victory at the Junior Ryder Cup before going on to help Europe win the Ryder Cup while Suzann Pettersen, Carlota Ciganda and Leona Maguire did likewise in the Solheim Cup.

Meanwhile, Bob MacIntyre was close to producing the round he believes has been coming as he made a promising start in the Travelers Championship, the PGA Tour’s latest Signature Event.

Playing with former FedEx Cup winner Patrick Cantlay, the Oban man posted five birdies as he carded a three-under-par 67 at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell in Connecticut.

MacIntyre, who is playing in his final event of a five-week run in the US, birdied the second, fifth, tenth and 12th to sit on four under before dropping his first shot of the day at the par-4 14th. He then made a 2 at 16th only to give that back at the last.

The effort left MacIntyre sitting four shots off the clubhouse lead, held by American Eric Cole, who made an eagle and five birdies.