Luke Donald Defines the European Team for the Ryder Cup
The European captain, Luke Donald, has announced the final six picks for his Ryder Cup team, marking a milestone in the preparation for the tournament. The European team will seek to break the streak and achieve victory as visitors, something that hasn’t happened since 2012. Donald, who already had a stellar team with players like Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood, has completed a squad that promises to be one of the strongest in Europe in recent years. Of the players who participated in Rome in the last edition, where Europe won 16½-11½, eleven will be present again. The competition against the United States team will take place at Bethpage Black, Farmingdale, New York, from September 26 to 28. The American captain, Keegan Bradley, has already defined his team, opting not to include himself.Luke Donald’s Leadership
In the past, it was common for European captains to repeat in the role. Between 1979 and 1995, Europe had only three different captains: John Jacobs, Tony Jacklin, and Bernard Gallacher, who led nine tournaments. Since then, no European captain has repeated, an uncommon situation. Donald will have the opportunity to break this trend at Bethpage.
“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,” said Donald.
Luke Donald
Key Players of the European Team
Here’s a look at the key players who will represent Europe in the Ryder Cup:- Rory McIlroy: Seven Ryder Cup appearances (2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2021, 2023). Individual record: 16 wins, 13 losses, 4 ties. McIlroy was the first player to qualify for the European team. His most recent season has been memorable, including the victory at the 2025 Masters.
- Robert McIntyre: One Ryder Cup appearance (2023). Individual record: 2 wins, 0 losses, 1 tie. McIntyre has had an excellent season with two second places and six top-10 finishes.
- Tommy Fleetwood: Three Ryder Cup appearances (2018, 2021, 2023). Individual record: 7 wins, 3 losses, 2 ties. Fleetwood earned his first PGA Tour victory, ending a streak of unsuccessful attempts.
- Justin Rose: Six Ryder Cup appearances (2008, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2021, 2023). Individual record: 14 wins, 9 losses, 3 ties. Rose, 45 years old, is the oldest member of the team and arrives with a great level of play.
- Rasmus Højgaard: Ryder Cup debutant. Højgaard, 24 years old, is the youngest player on the team.
- Tyrrell Hatton: Three Ryder Cup appearances (2018, 2021, 2023). Individual record: 5 wins, 4 losses, 2 ties. Hatton, a LIV player, qualified automatically and was one of Europe’s best players in the last edition.
Captain’s Elections
- Shane Lowry: Two Ryder Cup appearances (2021, 2023). Individual record: 2 wins, 3 losses, 1 tie. Lowry will bring experience to the team.
- Jon Rahm: Three Ryder Cup appearances (2018, 2021, 2023). Individual record: 6 wins, 3 losses, 3 ties. Despite his position in the European ranking, Rahm was a safe choice.
- Sepp Straka: One Ryder Cup appearance (2023). Individual record: 1 win, 2 losses, 0 ties. Straka seeks to regain his best form.
- Viktor Hovland: Two Ryder Cup appearances (2021, 2023). Individual record: 3 wins, 4 losses, 3 ties. Hovland has had a variable season, but secures a place on the team thanks to his performance.
- Ludvig Aberg: One Ryder Cup appearance (2023). Individual record: 2 wins, 2 losses, 0 ties. Aberg, the revelation of the previous edition, will seek to consolidate his success.
- Matt Fitzpatrick: Three Ryder Cup appearances (2016, 2021, 2023). Individual record: 1 win, 7 losses, 0 ties. Fitzpatrick seeks to improve his record in the Ryder Cup.
