Luke Donald donates Ryder Cup captain’s buggy to Northwestern University

European Ryder Cup captain gives his personalised Club Car cart to his alma mater.

Luke Donald's 2025 Ryder Cup Club Car cart occupies pride of place in the entrance to the golf performance centre at the university he attended in Chicago
Luke Donald's 2025 Ryder Cup Club Car cart occupies pride of place in the entrance to the golf performance centre at the university he attended in Chicago

Luke Donald’s 2025 Ryder Cup Captain’s Club Car buggy now proudly sits in the lobby of Northwestern University’s golf performance centre in Chicago, after the Englishman donated it to his former college.

Club Car is a Worldwide Supplier to the Ryder Cup and has provided the iconic team vehicles at every edition since 1997. 

After Donald led Europe to victory in 2023 at Marco Simone in Rome, Italy, his vehicle was shipped to his home in Florida, with the front cowl signed by every member of the European. 

After the 2025 win at Bethpage, New York, he needed a home for buggy number two.

“I didn’t really have room for another one at my house, so I wondered where else in the US would make most sense,” said Donald, who will captain Europe once again at Adare Manor, Ireland in 12 months’ time.

“I studied at Northwestern from 1997 to 2001 and it was a big part of my success. It really created a great environment for me to improve and get ready to be a professional golfer. Pat Goss, who was my coach there and for many years after, was a great inspiration. They have an amazing indoor facility, so I thought what a good opportunity to give back to Northwestern and have the buggy on display there.”

Luke Donald explains the reasons behind the action of of Ryder Cup Captain’s cart donation

David Inglis, the Men’s Golf Coach at Northwestern University in Chicago, said you would not find a golfer who has been more generous to their former college than Donald.

“It’s an incredible feature for our Gleacher Golf Center and yet another example of Luke giving back,” said Inglis. “It takes pride of place in the reception and is the first thing you see when you come in. It’s a real talking point – everyone who comes in wants to sit in it and have their photo taken.

“Luke is certainly our most decorated alumnus and to have this unique, one-off memento here is very motivational and special for anyone who walks past it.”

Andy Bourke, Club Car Regional Sales Manager, said: “We’re delighted to hear that Luke’s Captain’s Club Car is now at Northwestern University. It’s a great story. Now the question is what will Luke do with his third captain’s car next year?”

Ryder Cup Year to Go Event

From October 4-7, Club Car will be at the Ryder Cup Year to Go celebrations in Ireland along with the other partners, sponsors and suppliers of the bi-annual event.

The milestone event will kick-off with a special ‘Live at the Castle’ concert from 6pm at King John’s Castle in Limerick on Sunday October 4, featuring live music as well as an appearance on stage from Captains Luke Donald and Jim Furyk for a special press conference and Q&A.

Tickets available to buy from www.dolans.ie/rccastle. Tickets cost €30 for adults and €15 for juniors (under 18).

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