2025 Ryder Cup European Team: Donald reveals his picks

Luke Donald Defines the European Team for the Ryder Cup

European captain Luke Donald has announced the six selections for his team for the upcoming Ryder Cup, which will be held in the United States. The European team will seek to break the streak and obtain their first victory as visitors since 2012. Donald already had a stellar team, including figures of the stature of Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood. The captain’s selections complete a team that promises to be one of the strongest in Europe in recent memory. Eleven of the players who participated in the last edition in Rome, where Europe won 16½-11½, are returning. However, no visiting team has achieved victory since the “Miracle at Medinah” 13 years ago. Europeans will face the US team at Bethpage Black, Farmingdale, New York, from September 26 to 28. The selections for the American team are now known, with captain Keegan Bradley opting not to include himself.

Luke Donald’s Leadership

In the past, European captains used to be reappointed. Between 1979 and 1995, Europe had only three different captains: John Jacobs, Tony Jacklin, and Bernard Gallacher. Donald, for his part, will seek to do something uncommon. If Donald manages to lead Europe to victory, he would be the second to achieve that feat.

“I think everyone here would be very happy to have him back,” said Rory McIlroy.

Rory McIlroy

Donald, who led Europe to a resounding victory in Italy, also hopes to become the first European captain to win on American soil since José María Olazábal.

“Great opportunities don’t come along very often in life and I firmly believe that when they do, you have to seize them with both hands. This is one of those moments,” Donald stated.

Luke Donald

Ranked Players and Captain’s Selections

Here’s an analysis of the ranked players and the captain’s selections:

Rory McIlroy

Ryder Cup Appearances: 7 (2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2021, 2023)Individual record: 16 wins, 13 losses, 4 draws McIlroy was the first player to qualify for the European team and arrives for his eighth participation after a memorable season, including his victory at the 2025 Masters.

Robert McIntyre

Ryder Cup Appearances: 1 (2023)

Individual record: 2 wins, 0 losses, 1 draw McIntyre has had a great season, with two second places and six top-10 finishes. Donald highlighted his experience after his debut in 2023.

Tommy Fleetwood

Ryder Cup Appearances: 3 (2018, 2021, 2023)

Individual record: 7 wins, 3 losses, 2 draws Fleetwood secured his first PGA Tour victory and has been a reliable player for Europe in the Ryder Cup, with seven wins in the last three tournaments.

Justin Rose

Ryder Cup Appearances: 6 (2008, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2021, 2023)

Individual record: 14 wins, 9 losses, 3 draws Rose, at 45 years old, brings experience and talent. She arrives at the Ryder Cup in great form, after winning the FedEx St. Jude Championship.

Rasmus Højgaard

Ryder Cup Appearances: None

Individual Record: N/A Højgaard will make his Ryder Cup debut. At 24 years old, he hopes to perform better than his brother, Nicolai, in 2023.

Tyrrell Hatton

Ryder Cup Appearances: 3 (2018, 2021, 2023)

Individual record: 5 wins, 4 losses, 2 draws Hatton, the only LIV player to automatically qualify, will seek his fourth Ryder Cup. He was one of Europe’s best players in the previous edition.

Captain’s Selections

Shane Lowry

Ryder Cup Appearances: 2 (2021, 2023)Individual record: 2 wins, 3 losses, 1 draw Lowry will bring valuable experience to Donald’s team. He was the captain’s first pick.

Jon Rahm

Ryder Cup Appearances: 3 (2018, 2021, 2023)Individual record: 6 wins, 3 losses, 3 draws Despite being 24th in the European ranking, Rahm was a safe choice. He is a key player in the Ryder Cup.

Sepp Straka

Ryder Cup Appearances: 1 (2023)

Individual record: 1 win, 2 losses, 0 draws Straka, although he has had an irregular performance, remains valuable to the team.

Viktor Hovland

Ryder Cup Appearances: 2 (2021, 2023)Individual record: 3 wins, 4 losses, 3 draws Hovland, after a season with ups and downs, secured his place in the team. He is expected to repeat his successful partnership with Aberg.

Ludvig Aberg

Ryder Cup Appearances: 1 (2023)

Individual record: 2 wins, 2 losses, 0 draws Aberg, the revelation of the previous edition, will seek to improve his record at Bethpage.

Matt Fitzpatrick

Ryder Cup Appearances: 3 (2016, 2021, 2023)

Individual record: 1 win, 7 losses, 0 draws Fitzpatrick, despite a Ryder Cup record that needs improvement, has secured his fourth appearance.