Ryder Cup: European team almost unchanged - Donald relies on Rome winner

Team Europe for the 2025 Ryder Cup is complete. Captain Luke Donald announced his six captain's picks on Monday, relying on continuity and proven experience. With eleven players from the victorious 2023 team, Europe will travel to the duel against the USA, which will take place from September 26-28 at Bethpage Black in New York.

Team Europe for the 2025 Ryder Cup is set

Donald's selection includes players who have already played a decisive role in the victory in Rome: Shane Lowry, Jon Rahm, Sepp Straka, Viktor Hovland, Ludvig Åberg and Matt Fitzpatrick.

• Lowry, Straka, Åberg, Hovland and Fitzpatrick were all ranked 7th to 11th on the European points list. Their selection reflects their consistently strong performances over the season and was largely expected.
• The most prominent and lowest ranked selection is Jon Rahm. Although the Spaniard was only 24th in the rankings following his move to LIV Golf, his nomination was inevitable due to his experience and class. Rahm, who has a 6-3-3 record in his three Ryder Cup appearances to date, is an indispensable member of the team.

These players join the six golfers who had already qualified automatically: Rory McIlroy, Robert MacIntyre, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose, Rasmus Hojgaard and Tyrrell Hatton.

Unique continuity in Team Europe

The composition of the team shows an almost unprecedented unity. With the exception of Rasmus Hojgaard, who qualified and replaces his twin brother Nicolai, the entire squad is identical to the one that won a convincing 16.5 to 11.5 victory in 2023.

Rasmus Hojgaard is the only rookie in the European team. However, he was already present in Rome as part of the extended support team and is therefore familiar with the dynamics and environment of the Ryder Cup.

Votes and reactions: The focus is on defending the title

Captain Luke Donald emphasized the importance of experience for the upcoming challenge in New York. "We're a solid and united team with a strong culture," Donald said. "We have a lot of experience and that will be important when we go to Bethpage because we know the challenge that awaits us. I'm excited that we now have our twelve players together and are fully focused on defending the Ryder Cup in New York."

The players themselves are also confident. Jon Rahm expressed his anticipation of the event and the atmosphere. The Europeans are aware that the task of winning the Ryder Cup on US soil - something that has not been achieved since 2012 - will require a special effort.

In contrast to the Europeans, the US team under captain Keegan Bradley has put together a squad that includes four rookies. This illustrates the different approach of the two captains. While Bradley relies on fresh talent, Donald trusts in the established unit that has already been successful once.