While it’s hardly an official announcement, Luke Donald has received a very public endorsement from the most recent Ryder Cup captain, leading the Daily Mail’s Derek Lawrenson to report that the captaincy race is all about over.

Lawrenson writes of Padraig Harrington’s blessing…

‘As players, we’ve certainly discussed who will be the next captain,’ the Dubliner admitted to Sportsmail.

‘It was assumed it was going to be Lee but I can see where he is coming from, he is playing good golf and he wants to concentrate on that. His decision certainly put the cat among the pigeons though, didn’t it?

‘All I can say is that Luke would be great. Behind the scenes he does a terrific job. His management style... he knows. 

Henrik Stenson, also thought to be a leading candidate, was given an ultimatum to decided between a Captaincy or taking Saudi Golf League money, the Telegraph’s James Corrigan recently reported.