Europe will have their most settled team in Ryder Cup history for this month’s contest with just one change to the side that beat the United States in 2023.
Rasmus Hojgaard is the only new player – and replaces his twin brother Nicolai – having qualified through the ranking system.
And when captain Luke Donald announced his six wildcard picks on Monday, he went with experience for the away match at Bethpage Black in New York, which takes place from 26-28 September.
Shane Lowry, Jon Rahm, Sepp Straka, Viktor Hovland, Ludvig Aberg and Matt Fitzpatrick, who all played in the 16½-11½ victory in Rome in 2023, were Donald’s selections.
They join Rory McIlroy, Robert MacIntyre, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose, Rasmus Hojgaard and Tyrrell Hatton, who automatically qualified.
Since the Ryder Cup was altered to allow European players to compete in 1979, there has never been so few changes made to a team – on average, Europe make five in each two-year cycle.
“There is a lot of continuity from Rome, that is a bit unusual, but shows how good they are,” said Donald on Sky Sports.
“But while there is continuity, this is a different animal to play away in America. We know how difficult it is. I have looked at lots of different angles to try to prepare us for the challenge ahead.
“It is about implementing new techniques. I am aware we have lost three of the past four away Ryder Cups by significant margins.
“I have tried everything I can to give my team the best opportunity.”
Europe are looking to become the first team to win an away Ryder Cup since 2012 and the ‘Miracle of Medinah’ – where the visitors came from 10-6 down in the final day’s 12 singles matches to triumph by the narrowest of margins 14½-13½.
Standing in their way will be Keegan Bradley’s team. The US skipper announced his six wildcard picks last week and opted not to include himself as a player despite finishing 11th on their ranking list.
Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Ben Griffin, Cameron Young, Patrick Cantley and Sam Burns were chosen to join automatic qualifiers Scottie Scheffler, JJ Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, Harris English and Bryson DeChambeau.
More to follow.
