Luke Donald OBE
Luke Donald CBE is a distinguished English professional golfer celebrated for his remarkable success as an individual and team player. A former world number one, he has transitioned from elite player to a commanding Ryder Cup captain.
He has etched his name into golf history with a career that has seen him rise to the very top of the sport. Known for his consistency and precision on the golf course, his journey to world number one is testament to his dedication and skill.
With over a million followers across social media platforms, Luke is now a highly sought-after inspirational speaker, delving into the nuances of achieving excellence in sports, the mental resilience that being a professional athlete requires, and the journey of continuous improvement.
Contact Great British Speakers today to book European Ryder Cup-winning captain and former World Number 1 glofer, Luke Donald, to speak at your next event.
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More About Luke Donald OBE
Luke Donald’s golfing career started as an England amateur, featuring in the European Amateur Team Championship, Walker Cup, Arnold Palmer Cup, the Eisenhower Trophy, and the Jacques Leglise Trophy. He also became the first amateur to win the Chicago Open in 2000.
He turned professional in 2001, and has since won a range of events, including seven on the European Tour, five on the PGA Tour, and two on the Japan Golf Tour.
Whilst the captaincy was the ultimate goal, Luke’s playing career was heavy with success beforehand. He was World Number one for a cumulative total of 56 weeks, was in the world top ten for over 200 weeks, the first golfer in history to top the PGA Tour and European Tour money lists in the same year, and was the first Englishman to be named PGA Player of the Year.
He is one of the two golfers – alongside fellow Brit Lee Westwood – to achieve the world number one ranking without winning a major title
Luke captained the European Ryder Cup team to a stunning victory in 2023, and was re-appointed captain for the 2025 games in the United States. With Europe coming out on top, Luke became only the fourth captain in history to win back-to back Ryder Cups.
“Luke is the captain of this ship, and he’s led us better than I can see anybody leading us. He set the bar extremely high for the future captains” – Spain’s Jon Rahm.
Awards and Accolades
– Fred Haskins Award 1999
– PGA Player of the Year 2011
– PGA Tour Player of the Year 2011
– European Tour Golfer of the Year 2011
– Bryon Nelson Award 2011
– Vardon Trophy 2011
– European Tour Race to Dubai Winner 2011
– European Tour Players’ Player of the Year 2011
– Named OBE in 2012 for his services to golf
Luke Donald | Charity and Philantropy
Luke is deeply committed to giving back through philanthropy. He established the Luke Donald Foundation, which focuses on supporting children and families in need by improving access to healthcare and education—often in underprivileged communities. His charitable spirit extends beyond his own foundation: during The Open at Royal Liverpool in 2023, he actively supported the Golf Foundation, a national charity that introduces young people to golf through fun, inclusive educational activities like ‘Golfway’ games, helping children develop skills like patience, focus, and confidence on and off the course.
On another occasion, Luke embarked on the physically and mentally demanding Great British Open Challenge, where he played rounds golf across historic venues while cycling between course to raise funds for the Golf Foundation’s youth programmes
Luke Donald OBE | Corporate Work
Luke is now a hugely inspirational and motivational speaker, drawing on his experiences of being an elite sportsman and building a high-performance, award-winning team. His ability to connect with audiences – whether golf enthusiasts or those seeking motivation – makes him a popular figure on the speaking circuit.
Luke Donald | Speaking Topics
– Elite Sports
– Leadership
– Teamwork
– Building a High-Performance Team
– Overcoming Obstacles
– Peak Performance
– Strategic Thinking
Luke Donald –Â Keynote Talk Topics
– How Communication, Authenticity, and a Clear Strategy Help to Establish and Sustain High-Performance Teams and a Thriving Culture.
– Every Day is an Opportunity to Improve; How Creating a Mindset for Continual Improvement Helps Pave the Way for Achieving Your Goals.
Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great British Speakers now to book European Ryder Cup-winning captain Luke Donald to speak at or host your next live event worldwide.
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