European Captain Luke Donald revealed his draft pick after Captain America Keegan Bradley completed his 2025 Ryder Cup team with six wildcards.
Although Bradley’s as captain is a surprising and controversial revelation, Donald is the most obvious reappointment.
He was successful in Rome, showing that he had the organizational skills of Bernhard Langer, the inspiring atmosphere of Jose Maria Olazabal, the pragmatism of Sam Torrance, and Paul McGinley’s Paul McGinley.
Now that he has added his six names to six dozen qualifying by the right choice, who is the strongest choice – who is the weakest?
Let’s take a look.
1. RoryMcIlroy (Professional Ryder Cup Record: 16-13-4) (WLH)
The Northern Irish struggled with a victory in Paris in 2018 before defeating in the Whistle Channel in 2021. In both games, he won three games and lost six. After the latter game, he shed tears of depression and disappointment.
But he bounced in Rome and was very happy with the generational changes. “I want them to think of me, not me,” he said of his teammates.
He was there with a record of 4-1-0, fired enough to fight in the parking lot and said: “I’ve said it for years – winning the Ryder Cup is the biggest thing golf has to do now, and that’s what we’re going to do.”
Europe needs him this year and he will be desperate to deliver. His singles record is very good.
2. Jon Ram (6-3-3)
The Spaniard has been doing well in LIV for two years, only outside the top ten (11th!). He isn’t such a force in the Grand Slam, but he won two top 10 this year and he should love returning to the Ryder Cup.
He is great in Rome. In fact, what is unbeaten is two wins and two halves. He is also the four conceived monsters. He beat four and won each one.
3. Tommy Fleetwood (7-3-2)
Now the individual winner in the United States, can he succeed in increasing his team? None of his teammates did not want the British to be a partner, because he was not only a grand golfer. In terms of temperament, he is also an ideal companion.
One thing against all this good news is that he won four points in Paris with Francesco Molinari. His record would have been delinquent without a spectacular start to his Ryder Cup career.
Still, like Rahm, he has a 4-0-0 record in the quartet, winning two wins with McIlroy in 2023 (why didn’t he play them in 2021?!?!?!).
4. Justin Rose (14-9-3)
There is a little bit about this, as Rose has a 7-2-1 record in the foursome, suggesting that the first meeting of the game this year will have a big test for the Americans.
Ross played the role of uncle in the 2023 game, holding Robert MacIntyre’s hand. Since then, he can say that he has found a better form and is a bigger threat. However, his age (only 40 in the game) may see him limited to three games.
5. Tyrell Hatton (5-4-2)
The British defeated 2-4-1 in his first two matches, then ignited the blue touch paper 3-0-1 in Rome, and it is worth noting that he won his two fours in Rahm. The two are teammates of the 13th Legion of LIV and are likely to be reunited in New York.
6. LudvigAberg (2-2-0)
Brooks Koepka was beaten in singles in 2023, but the Swedes were quite sensational in the four-man mood. He and Viktor Hovland beat Max Homa and Brian Harman 4 and 3 on the opening morning, then beat Scottie Scheffler and Koepka 9 and 7 the next morning.
A day of absolute glory. He also found his best form in late summer.
7. ViktorHovland (3-4-3)
Captain Padraig Harrington asked a lot of Norwegians in 2021, but he struggled (0-3-2). This changed with a 3-1-1 record and his 4-point and 3 singles wins, the second person in singles, a key point gained on that irritating Sunday. However, four goals were won after four attempts.
8. RobertMacIntyre (2-0-1)
No one has a better percentage record on this team, but it is always a bit tricky to judge after a game. Rose held his hand in four balls, mostly contributing to the best golf balls.
McIntyre then proved that he learned something by winning singles 2 and 1 at Wyndham Clark. The third runner-up this year. Can he stay calm when New Yorker is crazy?
9. RasmusHojgaard (first debut)
Two years ago Captain Donald decided to play for this year’s team and could compete with the experience, he was an off-road vehicle driver. What a proven move.
His twin brother Nicolai won a half point in three games that week.
10. ShaneLowry (2-3-1)
The Irish won a point in his debut in 2021 and was drawn out, but perhaps a little unnoticed. In Rome, his excitement was better guided, and he led 1-1-1.
It’s still the average record – his race record is not great beyond the Ryder Cup – but he’s also a big voice and presence on the track.
11. Matt Fitzpatrick (1-7-0)
There is no doubt that the British Ryder Cup record is deceptive. He is not as poor as it suggests. He struggled because only in Rome did he play the same ball as he played and was placed in the foursome with Lee Westwood.
But his singles match is also 0-3-0, and if he loses his first (and perhaps the second) game this year, the pressure will increase.
12. SeppStraka (1-2-0)
The Austrian was trusted to participate in the opening series in Rome, winning with Lowry to help Europe start 4-0. But they did lose the next day, and he did it again in singles.
Having won the PGA Tour twice this year, he was in a boiling late summer, personal reasons that have made him play little golf in the past few weeks.
Read the next article: Team USA Ryder Cup Ranking: Is Class 2025 the best assembly ever?
