Golf-Europe captain Donald relishing return of Ryder Cup roar

Golf - The 2023 Ryder Cup - Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, Rome, Italy - September 25, 2023 Team Europe captain Luke Donald during a press conference as the Ryder Cup trophy is seen REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane

ROME (Reuters) - Europe suffered their worst Ryder Cup defeat two years ago at a hostile Whistling Straits but captain Luke Donald believes the energy of the home crowd in Rome can be a decisive factor in reclaiming the trophy this week.

Former world number one Donald was one of Padraig Harrington's vice captains in 2021 as the United States romped to a 19-9 victory in a match sadly lacking European fans because of the COVID-19 pandemic.