European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald announced his six captain’s picks on Monday, completing the 12-man Team Europe squad set to face the United States at Bethpage Black in New York from September 26-28.
The selections — Shane Lowry, Jon Rahm, Sepp Straka, Viktor Hovland, Ludvig Aberg, and Matt Fitzpatrick — join automatic qualifiers Rory McIlroy, Robert MacIntyre, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose, Rasmus Hojgaard, and Tyrrell Hatton, forming a formidable lineup with 11 players returning from the 2023 Ryder Cup victory in Rome.
Donald prioritized experience for the challenging away match, with eight of his 12 players having previously competed in an away Ryder Cup. Lowry, Rahm, Hovland, Fitzpatrick, Straka, and Aberg were all part of Europe’s 16½-11½ triumph in 2023, with Rahm making his fourth consecutive appearance and Hojgaard as the team’s only rookie, replacing his twin brother Nicolai.
“We are a settled and united team with a strong culture,” Donald said, emphasizing the need for a different strategy to tackle Bethpage Black’s hostile environment.
Notable omissions include Matt Wallace, who finished 12th in the qualification standings and was emotional after a strong showing at the Omega European Masters, and rising stars Marco Penge and Harry Hall, both discussed as potential debutants.
Donald’s selections, announced live on Sky Sports Golf, reflect a focus on continuity and proven performers as Europe aims for their first away Ryder Cup win since the 2012 “Miracle at Medinah.”
Team Europe now prepares for the September showdown, with Donald confident in his squad’s ability to retain the trophy against a strong U.S. team led by captain Keegan Bradley.
