Ryder Cup 2025: Luke Donald defines European team with key picks

Luke Donald to Announce His Ryder Cup Picks

The European team captain, Luke Donald, will reveal his six picks for the Ryder Cup on Monday, as Europe seeks its first away win since 2012. Donald already has a stellar team, including key figures like Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood. The captain’s picks will complete what promises to be one of the strongest European teams in recent years. The tournament will pit the Europeans against the United States team at Bethpage Black, Farmingdale, New York, from September 26 to 28. In the previous edition, Europe won 16½-11½ in Rome. However, no visiting team has won since the “Miracle of Medinah” 13 years ago. While the selections for the American team are already known, with captain Keegan Bradley opting not to include himself, attention is focused on who will represent Europe.

Luke Donald’s Leadership

Donald, who led Europe to a resounding victory in Italy, will seek 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,” said Donald.

Luke Donald

Qualified Players for the European Team

The following is an analysis of the players already classified and potential candidates to be selected by Donald:

Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy was the first player to qualify for the European team in this Ryder Cup. This will be his eighth appearance in the tournament, following one of his most memorable seasons. McIlroy completed his career Grand Slam by winning the 2025 Masters. He also achieved two victories before the Masters, at Pebble Beach and TPC Sawgrass.Ryder Cup Appearances: 7 (2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2021, 2023)Individual record: 16 wins, 13 losses, 4 draws

Robert McIntyre

Robert McIntyre, although he hasn’t won any titles on the PGA Tour this year, has had a great season. He has achieved two second places and six top-10 finishes. His second Ryder Cup appearance comes after a near-perfect debut in 2023.

“Bob has had great performances on both sides of the Atlantic this season, and that great form combined with his 2023 experience will be invaluable in New York,” said Donald.

Luke Donald

Tommy Fleetwood

Fleetwood arrives at this Ryder Cup with a different feeling, after obtaining his first victory on the PGA Tour after numerous attempts. His victory in the FedEx Cup ended a difficult period. Fleetwood has been a reliable contributor to the European team, with seven wins in the last three tournaments. Fleetwood has defeated players like Tiger Woods, Justin Thomas, and Jordan Spieth.

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

Individual record: 7 wins, 3 losses, 2 draws

Justin Rose

At 45 years old, Justin Rose will bring experience to the team. He arrives at the Ryder Cup in excellent form, after winning the FedEx St. Jude Championship in August. Rose also achieved a sixth-place finish at the Scottish Open and a 16th-place finish at The Open. In 2023, Rose was selected for the tournament for the first time. He was paired twice with McIntyre, winning and tying.

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

Individual record: 14 wins, 9 losses, 3 draws

Rasmus Højgaard

Rasmus Højgaard will make his Ryder Cup debut this year, after securing the last qualifying spot. At 24 years old, he is likely the youngest member of the team.

Ryder Cup Appearances: None

Individual Record: N/A

Tyrrell Hatton

Hatton, the only LIV player who automatically qualified, will participate in his fourth Ryder Cup. Hatton secured his place despite his LIV ranking points not counting. He was one of Europe’s best players in the previous edition.

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

Individual record: 5 wins, 4 losses, 2 draws

Possible Selections of the Captain

Note: Luke Donald will confirm his six selections for the 2025 Ryder Cup on Monday, September 1st at 2 p.m. BST.

Jon Rahm

Although Rahm is 24th in the European ranking, he is very likely to be selected to play at Bethpage. Rahm has performed well in the majors and is a great matchplay player.

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

Individual record: 6 wins, 3 losses, 3 draws

Shane Lowry

Lowry could bring valuable experience to Donald’s team. The Irishman, a friend of McIlroy, has performed well on the PGA Tour.

Ryder Cup Appearances: 2 (2021, 2023)

Individual record: 2 wins, 3 losses, 1 draw

Sepp Straka

Straka seemed to be a strong candidate for the Ryder Cup, but his performance has been inconsistent since May.

Ludvig Aberg

Aberg, a rising star, is sure to be a key player at Bethpage and in the years to come. He won the Genesis this year and performed well at the Scottish Open.

Ryder Cup Appearances: 1 (2023)

Individual record: 2 wins, 2 losses, 0 draws

Viktor Hovland

Hovland has had a variable 2025, but his recent performance should secure his place. He has a good Ryder Cup record.Ryder Cup Appearances: 2 (2021, 2023)Individual record: 3 wins, 4 losses, 3 draws

Matt Fitzpatrick

Fitzpatrick has performed well recently, which could secure his fourth Ryder Cup appearance. However, his previous Ryder Cup results could influence Donald’s decision.

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

Individual record: 1 win, 7 losses, 0 draws

Harry Hall

Hall has performed well in the last year. His consistency earned him a spot in the Tour Championship.

Aaron Rai

Rai could be a candidate for the Ryder Cup, although his performance has been inconsistent outside the majors.

Nicolai Højgaard

Nicolai Højgaard, who has been overshadowed by his brother Rasmus, might not be selected due to his disappointing season.

Alex Noren

Noren has shown good recent performance, which could give him an opportunity.

Marco Penge

Penge, with great power and good performance, could be considered, although his lack of international experience could be a factor against him.

Matt Wallace

Wallace, although he is in 12th place in the European ranking, has not had the necessary performance to be considered by Donald.