Team Europe at the 2025 Ryder Cup: Who will defend their title?

Team Europe will be the defending champions at the 2025 Ryder Cup on Bethpage Black. Two years ago, the blue team under team captain Luke Donald won against the American selection in Italy. The Englishman is now once again in charge of the European team, but this time he has to prepare his men for the incomparably difficult away match near New York. Who will represent Team Europe at the 2025 Ryder Cup?

Partly this is the captain's decision, partly players can qualify directly. Half a dozen players will be called up one way or the other.

How Ryder Cup qualification works for Team Europe

Qualification: Players who are members of the DP World Tour can qualify directly for the continental competition via a points ranking. So far, only Rory McIlroy, who will definitely tee off at the Ryder Cup, has achieved this. But behind him, the race for the other five places is still completely open. The qualifying phase closes on Sunday, August 24, 2025, or with the last Putt of the British Masters, which is scheduled to end on August 24. The six directly qualified participants will then be determined.

Captain's picks: Those who have not qualified directly must hope for a captain's pick. This is the name given to the starting places awarded by the team captain. It is up to the captains to decide which criteria are used. The Ryder Cup rankings usually provide information, as the players who are behind the qualifiers are often nominated. But this is no guarantee and there are surprises and disappointments every two years.

It is particularly difficult for players on the LIV Tour to qualify directly. They don't receive any points on their circuit to play their way up the rankings. So they have to rely on good results in the Majors and use the few tournaments they can play on the DP World Tour to their advantage.

Team Europe for the Ryder Cup