Luke Donald says the the fact that Adare Manor is hosting the next Ryder Cup was a "big factor" in his decision to take on the captaincy of Europe for a third time.
The Englishman has been at the helm for back-to-back victories over the USA. The first of those triumphs came in Rome in 2023.
Then Shane Lowry holed the decisive putt last September as they just about fended off a stirring American fight-back to seal a famous away win at Bethpage Black in New York.
The European players, including Lowry and Rory McIlroy, had clamoured for Donald to stay on as captain.
This Wednesday, he confirmed that he would indeed look to lead Europe to a three-in-a-row as the Ryder Cup returns to Irish soil at Limerick's Adare Manor in September 2027.
Donald admitted that he had initially thought that his captaincy journey would end after the victory in New York.
But in recent weeks, multiple factors had led him to extend his tenure at the helm of Team Europe.
"I did have a lot of backing from the players. Ultimately my family as well," he told Greg Allen on RTÉ Radio 1's Inside Sport programme.
"And then, once the dust had settled, just to think about the opportunity of doing it a third time - having that opportunity for one - and doing it in Adare, in Ireland, the 100th anniversary, there's something really, really appealing about that.
"And then obviously, ultimately to have the backing of the players meant a lot to me."
Donald revealed that he had got a "great response" from the players after confirming his decision to them last night.
"This Ryder Cup as a player, as a captain, as a vice-captain has given me so much and to go once more again is going to be very special," he added.
On two of those in particular - McIlroy and Lowry - was hopeful both would be in form and in contention to be involved in a home tournament.
"They've been good partners for each other in New York and they're both playing great golf right now. Obviously a lot can happen so we'll have to see but great to see them continuing their great play and that continues for the next 16 months."
Donald also added that he had plans to speak to Jon Rahm in the "near future". The Spaniard is not among the LIV Golf players who have signed waivers to compete on the DP World Tour.
Rahm had also said that conditions, which include paying any pending fines, competing in a prescribed minimum of DPWT tournaments and dropping pending appeals, would amount to "extorting players like myself".
"Jon, like Rory, like Shane, like all the guys that I've been able to captain, was a great player, great team-mate in Rome and New York and obviously I'd love for him to be available," Donald said.
"A little bit of that is on his shoulders and he has to do what he thinks is right. But obviously I look forward to having a chat with him and hopefully get him to be available for that Ryder Cup."
Twenty years ago at the K Club in Kildare, Donald was a player for Europe the first and last time that the Ryder Cup was staged on Irish soil.
The fact that the tournament was returning to Irish soil and at an "amazing venue" like Adare Manor fueled his desire to return, he admitted.
"The fact that it was in Ireland, in Adare was a big factor, I've got to say. My wife wanted me to do it and painted the picture of the Irish fans, the 100-year anniversay," Donald said.
"Obviously the support of JP McManus and what he's done in the game of golf.
"That meant a lot to me and that was the conversation where I was thinking, 'OK, I get it now, this is really an amazing opportunity to do something very special."
Plenty of preparation will have to be done over the next year and a half, including regular trips to the venue.
"I look forward to getting over and seeing the course and I know they've made a few adjustments over the summer with the grasses, so I look forward to seeing the venue and hopefully setting it up to give us a wee edge if we can," he said.
The last Ryder Cup at Bethpage was marred by a hostile atmosphere from the partisan home crowd towards the European players - particularly in the direction of McIlroy.
But Donald said he is not expecting a response in kind from spectators at Adare Manor.
"This was partly the reason why I wanted to do it again," he said.
"I love what the Irish fans bring. They bring a warmth (and) a hospitality. They're going to be very passionate but be very respectful.
"And that will be my message. We want to play this Ryder Cup in a very classy and respectful way. (It's) what the Ryder Cup deserves and I know the Irish fans will be able to do that."
