With the 45th Ryder Cup just three weeks away Sept. 26-28 at Bethpage Black, there was far less drama in the unveiling of the European Ryder Cup captains picks Monday than there was five days earlier when U.S. captain Keegan Bradley announced his six picks.
European captain Luke Donald, leading the team for the second consecutive Ryder Cup after Europe prevailed two years ago in Rome, went chalk with his six picks on Monday, leaving him with almost the identical team he captained in 2023.
Jon Rahm, Shane Lowry, Matt Fitzpatrick, Viktor Hovland, Ludvig Aberg and Sepp Straka were tabbed to join the six players who’d already qualified on points: Rory McIlroy, Robert McIntyre, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose, Rasmus Hojgaard and Tyrrell Hatton.
The only change in the roster from 2023 for Europe is Rasmus Hojgaard on the side instead of his brother Nicolai.
The European six will take on the American team comprised of automatic qualifiers Scottie Scheffler, J.J. Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley Harris English, Bryson DeChambeau, along with captains picks Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Ben Griffin, Patrick Cantlay, Cameron Young and Sam Burns.
Donald called Lowry, his first pick who’ll play in his third Ryder Cup, “A man who thrives in the biggest stages and whose passion for the Ryder Cup is second to none. He understands team more than anyone else.’’
His second pick, two-time major champion Rahm, said, “I did not think I would be as emotional as I feel now. It’s going to be special. The New Yorkers are going to be excited. It’s going to be difficult, but I’m looking forward to having a better showing than the last time (in the U.S., a win by the Americans in 2021 at Whistling Straits.’’
Said Donald: “Jon reality sets the standard for us. He understands the history of the Ryder Cup and what it represents.’’
Donald’s third pick, Straka, made his debut in Rome two years ago and has won twice on the PGA Tour this year. He was the first Austrian player ever to win on the PGA Tour.
His fourth pick, Hovland, will be playing in his third consecutive Ryder Cup.
“He was a lion for us in Rome and he will continue to be that in Bethpage,’’ Donald said.
Donald’s fifth pick, Aberg, is making his second appearance after being chosen by Donald just three months into his professional career in 2023, before he’d ever even played in a first major championship. He’s since won twice on the PGA Tour.
“I definitely feel more experienced this time,’’ Aberg said. “I felt like I had the most amazing week on Rime.
“There are few players I’ve played with in my career where you see him for the first time and you just see there’s something something special there.’’ Donald said.
Donald’s sixth pick, Fitzpatrick, who’ll be playing in his fourth Ryder Cup, also celebrated his birthday on Monday.
“Matt didn’t get off to a good start to the year but no one has statistically been as good as he has in the last few months, with six top 10s in his last eight starts,” Donald said.
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