Luke Donald has opted for experience over youth in his Ryder Cup wildcard picks, selecting six veterans including Jon Rahm to face the USA later this month. The rest of the wildcard picks include Shane Lowry, Sepp Straka, Viktor Hovland, Ludvig Aberg and Matt Fitzpatrick. Rahm said: “It’s a different feeling. I didn’t think I would be as emotional as I feel right now. Luke called and told me a few days ago. New Yorkers are going to be incredible fans, it’s going to be difficult for us.”
Donald praised Rahm, stating: “Jon sets the standard for us. He is meticulous with what he does. He is first up and last out of the team room. He understands the history of the Ryder Cup and what it represents, following in the footsteps of some amazing Spanish players.” Former US President Donald Trump is set to attend the opening day of the contest on September 26 at Bethpage Black.
Following the announcement of the initial six team members – Rory McIlroy, Robert MacIntyre, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose, Rasmus Hojgaard and Tyrrell Hatton – the European captain has selected the next five players in the rankings: Lowry, Straka, Aberg, Hovland and Fitzpatrick.
Despite Matt Wallace being 12th in the qualifying table, Donald has chosen double Major champion and LIV star Jon Rahm for his proven Ryder Cup pedigree, despite him ranking 24th.
Hojgaard, the only newcomer in the European team, secured his spot after finishing fifth in the qualifiers. The Dane’s inclusion, replacing his brother Nicolai, marks the sole alteration from the squad that triumphed in Rome.
Europe clinched a 16.5 to 11.5 victory in 2023, but under Donald’s leadership, they’ll be aiming for their first overseas Ryder Cup win since the Miracle of Medinah in 2012.
The US team features four rookies. Captain Keegan Bradley opted not to select himself, instead picking Cameron Young and Ben Griffin to join automatic qualifiers and debutants JJ Spaun and Russell Henley.
Team Europe’s 2025 Ryder Cup squad
Automatic picks: Rory McIlroy, Robert MacIntyre, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose, Rasmus Hojgaard, Tyrrell Hatton
Captain’s picks: Shane Lowry, Jon Rahm, Sepp Straka, Viktor Hovland, Ludvig Aberg, Matt Fitzpatrick