Just over a year ago, a six foot, two inch grandson of a Belgian Olympian was a regular feature on the first tee at Marco Simone Golf Club, leading the partisan home crowd in the ‘Thunder Clap’ at the Ryder Cup.
That wasn’t Nicolas Colsaerts only role, of course, and as one of the most popular players on the European circuit and a former Ryder Cup player to boot, he was a valuable asset for Luke Donald and the European side and certainly played his part in the dominant European victory.
A week from retiring and playing as a sponsor’s invite, Colsaerts turned back the clock and came agonisingly close to claiming a fourth DP World Tour victory at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and earned a spot in the upcoming FedEx Open de France at Le Golf National, itself a former Ryder Cup venue and the recent site of the Olympic Games golf tournament.
So, for the moment at least, retirement plans have been shelved. But whether he retires or not, there is a good chance that Colsaerts will once again be at Luke Donald’s side when the Europeans venture to New York and Bethpage Black in search of a first away Ryder Cup victory since 2012 in what’s since become known as the ‘Miracle at Medinah’, which was also the scene of Colsaerts one and only playing appearance.
“Playing in it, being part of it or even watching on TV, how can you not enjoy it? Even if you just get a small role, it’s an amazing thing to be part of,” he told The Scotsman after losing out to Tyrrell Hatton at St. Andrews.
“I think [Luke Donald] would just look at how the next eight or months pan out and he will make a decision. But I would like to think I am on the short list.”
And Donald has since confirmed that Nicolas is indeed on the short list to join himself and Edoardo Molinari and Thomas Bjorn who have already been confirmed as vice captains.
“I’ve been in contact with Nico,” Donald said. “It was great to see him have a chance of winning last week, rolling back the years. I really thought he was going to do it at some point.
“He was a great addition to our backroom team as a vice-captain in Rome, he’s very knowledgeable and friendly with all the European players. He gets along with them all. He has a great energy and a great vibe.
“I’ve so far just named Edoardo and Thomas as two vice-captains but Nico is someone we’re definitely keeping in mind for Bethpage.”