Luke Donald Got His Ryder Cup Picks Spot On
By: Kieran Clark | Edited: Mon 01 Sep 2025
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There is an undeniable sense of continuity as Europe prepare to defend the Ryder Cup in the ominous atmosphere of Bethpage Black in New York.
Luke Donald returns as captain, while Thomas Bjorn, Edoardo Molinari, Jose Maria Olazabal and Francesco Molinari are back as vice-captains following their triumphant stint at Marco Simone near Rome in 2023.
But the familiarity doesn't end there as the travelling side, well, essentially looks exactly the same as last time with 11 of those 12 team members in Italy set to make their way across the Atlantic with the only new face being Rasmus Hojgaard, who takes the place of twin brother, Nicolai.
Rory McIlroy, Robert MacIntyre, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose, Hogjaard, and Tyrrell Hatton had already secured their spot on the team automatically, meaning that Donald had six picks to make, which he announced to the public on Monday.
Despite the impressive form of Marco Penge, Harry Hall and Matt Wallace, it always felt unlikely that additional rookies would be taken into the bearpit of Long Island, and that premise rang true as each of the wildcards who were selected participated two years ago.
Ireland's Shane Lowry, set to make a third consecutive appearance, was the first name called, with the former Open champion followed by two-time major winner Jon Rahm.
The one potential question surrounded the status of Sepp Straka, who skipped the first of the PGA Tour's FedEx Cup Playoffs due to personal reasons, but the American-based Austrian was the third player revealed.
Next it was Viktor Hovland, the amiable Norwegian, who was quickly joined by Ludvig Aberg, with this pair still relishing the memories of their stunning 9&7 success over Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka in the Saturday foursomes last time out.
Finally, it was the turn of Matt Fitzpatrick to be chosen by Donald, with the Englishman scheduled to make his fourth Ryder Cup appearance. Having lost in the United States in both 2016 and 2021, the former US Open champion will be determined to be part of a rare away victory in this event.
Indeed, 13 years have passed since the Miracle at Medinah, which was the most recent occasion that the visiting team departed with the famous trophy in hand.
Luke Donald has gone down a proven and experienced route with his picks, which many observers will deem to be justified and the correct approach taken by a captain whose tenure in the role has offered a measured calmness that is yet to miss a step.
This will be a formidable challenge for Europe, facing an American side led by the unique captaincy of Keegan Bradley, who is set to bring his own fiery passion into the melting pot.
It's sure to be a potent mix - but those who retain their cool are often best placed to consume the hottest of dishes.
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About the author
Kieran Clark is the Digital Editor of Golfshake. He oversees editorial content, community engagement, forums, and social media channels. A lifelong golfer from the Isle of Bute in Scotland who has now lived in St Andrews for a decade, he began playing at the age of five and maintains a passion for exploring courses, with a particular affection for historic layouts. Kieran regularly contributes in-depth opinion pieces and features, drawing on his enthusiasm for the game and its culture.
The Ryder Cup is unlike any other tournament in golf and the atmosphere is something that every golf fan should experience. The experts at Golfbreaks.com can help with all aspects of your Ryder Cup experience, from accommodation and ticket packages to hospitality and travel and playing some of the fantastic nearby courses.
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