When Donald led his side to success in Rome, the clamour immediately began for him to stay on in the captaincy.
Chants of “two more years” – from both his celebrating players and jubilant fans – echoed around the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club.
Their wish was granted when Donald’s second term was confirmed that November.
Since his initial appointment three years ago, he has developed into a statesman-like leader whose strong qualities are admired by his players, peers and supporters.
“He’s obviously had a phenomenal career as a player, but I would certainly say there has been a public change in his confidence being in the captain’s role,” former Ryder Cup player Oliver Wilson, who has known Donald since they played US college golf together, told BBC Sport.
“He has realised he’s really good at this and there are so many reasons why he’s really good at this.”
Donald is described as a natural introvert by those who know him well, but they say he also carries an air of assurance which he transmits to his players.
That is considered his greatest asset.
Donald is regarded as a good communicator and ensuring everyone knew their role bred confidence they would achieve their goal.
“When I was talking to some of the vice-captains earlier in the week, I was blown away by the confidence,” Wilson added.
“It was a quiet confidence, but it genuinely caught me off guard. Normally people are a a little cagey. There was none of that.
“It was more like ‘we are going to win, we are the better team, this is why we are going to win, we’re just going to execute our plan’.
“I’ve never experienced that in a Ryder Cup environment. I was even fired up.”