Six Possible Ryder Cup Pairings For Europe
By: Derek Clements | Edited: Mon 22 Sep 2025
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Luke Donald would definitely have had a say in the make-up of the golfers who played together during the opening two rounds of the recent BMW PGA Championship. It perhaps gave us an insight into how he may be thinking when it comes to his Ryder Cup pairings.
Of course, things change from day to day. In an ideal world, all 12 Europeans would arrive at Bethpage Black at the peak of their games. That is unlikely to be the case. Obviously, I have no inside information, but the following look like they could well be playing together at some point this week:
Jon Rahm & Tyrrell Hatton
If ever there was a natural pairing for Europe then this is surely it. They both wear their hearts on their sleeves, they both love to attack and they both make birdies for fun. They are also both incredibly passionate golfers who would just love to silence the partisan galleries. Oh, and they both moan a lot. An awful lot!
Tommy Fleetwood & Justin Rose
If ever there were two golfers whose games complement one another it is Englishmen Rose and Fleetwood. Rose is a Ryder Cup veteran who has seen it all, while Fleetwood famously won all four matches in partnership with Francesco Molinari at Le Golf National. They seem like the perfect foursomes combination.
Rory McIlroy & Shane Lowry
The pair won the Zurich Classic together in 2024 and went close again earlier this season. They are surely a natural Ryder Cup pairing. It helps that they are close friends, understand each other’s game and have been there and done it. They both know all about winning and losing - and are used to playing in front of noisy fans.
Viktor Hovland & Ludvig Aberg
(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)
Aberg was a rookie last time around and rose to the occasion. He and Hovland famously thrashed Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka 9&7 in the foursomes in Rome two years ago. So why would European captain Luke Donald not want to put them out together again?
Robert MacIntyre & Rasmus Hojgaard
A rookie two years ago, MacIntyre has taken his game to a different level in the two years since. Winner of the Canadian Open and Scottish Open in 2024, he nearly won this year’s US Open and is the ideal man to guide Hojgaard, a rookie in name but a young man who knows all about winning.
Sepp Straka & Matthew Fitzpatrick
The two quiet men on the European team look like they could be a great pairing, especially in foursomes. They both hit the ball straight and Fitzpatrick is arguably the best putter on either side. Straka is a hugely underrated golfer but he has two victories on the PGA Tour to his name in 2025.
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About the author
Derek Clements is a seasoned sports journalist and regular Golfshake contributor, specialising in tour coverage, opinion pieces, and feature writing. With a long career in national newspapers and golf media, he has reported on the game across Europe, the United States and Australia. A passionate golfer, he has played and reviewed numerous renowned courses, with personal favourites including Pebble Beach, Kingsbarns, Aldeburgh, Old Thorns and the K Club. His love of the game informs his thoughtful commentary on both professional golf and the wider golfing community.
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.
Tags: ryder cup Bethpage Black
