Bethpage Black, September 2, 2025
News Summary
The European Ryder Cup team for the upcoming matches at Bethpage Black has been revealed, showcasing a lineup reminiscent of the victorious squad from Rome. Captain Luke Donald has selected a balanced roster of twelve players, including six automatic qualifiers and six captain’s picks. Among the notable selections is rookie Rasmus Hojgaard, who has replaced his twin brother. The team aims to reclaim the trophy on U.S. soil, with mixed feelings about some notable omissions from the lineup. Fans look forward to the competition that promises high drama and intense matches.
New York —
The lineup that looks a lot like the winning crew
The European Ryder Cup team for Bethpage Black has been named, and it’s hard to miss the resemblance to the squad that beat the U.S. in Rome two years ago. Captain Luke Donald put together a 12-man roster that blends familiar faces with one fresh name, keeping the core that delivered a victory in Europe and sending them to Long Island with the aim of taking the trophy back on U.S. soil for the first time since 2012.
Who made it and how
The final team includes six automatic qualifiers and six captain’s picks. The automatic six are Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton, Justin Rose, Robert MacIntyre, and Rasmus Hojgaard. The captain’s six selected on September 1 are Shane Lowry, Ludvig Åberg, Jon Rahm, Sepp Straka, Viktor Hovland, and Matt Fitzpatrick. Those six chosen by the captain all have Ryder Cup experience from the Rome match, which means the dressing room will be rich in familiar chemistry and experience.
One rookie, one swap
The only new face is Rasmus Hojgaard, the rookie who clinched his spot after a win at the Irish Open. He replaces his twin brother, Nicolai Hojgaard, who was part of the Rome team. That twin swap adds a little storyline spice without upsetting the core structure Donald clearly wanted to keep.
Big names and how they stand
Rory McIlroy leads the European points list with 3,489.21, bringing a massive amount of experience and a Ryder Cup career record of 16 wins, 13 losses, and 4 halved matches, totaling 18 points. Tommy Fleetwood joins with an impressive lifetime Ryder Cup mark of 15-9-3, having sealed the clinching point in Rome. Robert MacIntyre arrives in form after two PGA Tour wins this season including the Scottish Open and a 2-0-1 match line from Rome. Justin Rose stays in the mix after becoming the only player over 40 to win on Tour this season with the FedEx St. Jude Championship. Viktor Hovland and Jon Rahm bring match-winning pedigree and improved recent Ryder Cup showings, while Ludvig Åberg and Sepp Straka add depth and momentum from last year’s event.
What this selection says about Europe’s approach
The selection reads like a plan to replicate a winning formula rather than reinventing the wheel. With six captain’s picks all from the Rome team, Captain Donald is banking on cohesion and proven partnerships. The European side knows this will be different to winning in Europe — Bethpage Black is a hostile venue and the approach and strategies have to adjust accordingly. The message is clear: pick the players you trust in match play and hope familiarity breeds fire.
Hard calls and notable snubs
The selection process was a squeeze, and a handful of players who came close were left off. Matt Wallace, who finished 12th in the standings, publicly showed emotion about missing out. Others who were in contention but not chosen include Thomas Detry, Marco Penge, Aaron Rai, Jordan Smith, Harry Hall, Nicolai Hojgaard, Alex Noren, and Sergio Garcia. Captain Donald acknowledged the difficulty of the choices and indicated hope that some of these players could be part of future teams.
When and where
The matches at Bethpage Black run from September 26 to 28. Europe goes there as defending champions looking to break a long U.S. winning streak on home soil. The course promises a bruising test, and the Europeans will need to bring both strategy and grit to get the job done.
Why fans should care
This team feels like deja vu in a good way for Europe fans — plenty of star power, a clear plan, and one energetic rookie to inject fresh legs. On the other side, the Americans will be motivated to defend home turf, so expect edges, shout-outs, and drama across three intense days. For anyone who follows match play and Ryder Cup tactics, the selection hints at pairings and strategies the captain favors: familiarity, trust, and proven match play winners.
FAQ
Who is on the European Ryder Cup team for Bethpage Black?
The 12-man squad includes Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton, Justin Rose, Robert MacIntyre, Rasmus Hojgaard (automatic qualifiers), and captain’s picks Shane Lowry, Ludvig Åberg, Jon Rahm, Sepp Straka, Viktor Hovland, and Matt Fitzpatrick.
Who is the rookie on the team?
Rasmus Hojgaard is the only rookie. He secured his spot after winning the Irish Open.
When and where is the Ryder Cup?
The Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black is scheduled for September 26-28.
Which key players were left off the team?
Notable names who missed out include Matt Wallace, Thomas Detry, Marco Penge, Aaron Rai, Jordan Smith, Harry Hall, Nicolai Hojgaard, Alex Noren, and Sergio Garcia.
What’s Europe’s recent Ryder Cup form?
Europe enters Bethpage as the defending champions from Rome, aiming to win on U.S. soil for the first time since 2012.
Quick reference table
| Player | Entry | Ryder Cup Record / Notes | 2025 Season Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rory McIlroy | Automatic | 16-13-4 overall; top points earner (3,489.21) | Top points-getter for Europe |
| Tommy Fleetwood | Automatic | 15-9-3 lifetime; clinched point in Rome | Consistent match play performer |
| Tyrrell Hatton | Automatic | Experienced match player | Solid season form |
| Justin Rose | Automatic | Veteran leader | Won FedEx St. Jude Championship; only player over 40 to win this season |
| Robert MacIntyre | Automatic | 2-0-1 in Rome | Two PGA Tour wins this season, including Scottish Open |
| Rasmus Hojgaard | Automatic (Rookie) | Rookie | Qualified by winning the Irish Open |
| Shane Lowry | Captain’s pick | Experienced Ryder Cup player | Trusted match play presence |
| Ludvig Åberg | Captain’s pick | 2-2 from Rome | Meteoric rise in 2023 |
| Jon Rahm | Captain’s pick | 6-3-3 overall; two-time major champion | Plays for LIV Golf; strong match play record |
| Sepp Straka | Captain’s pick | 1-2 in Ryder Cup matches | Two wins this season |
| Viktor Hovland | Captain’s pick | 3-1-1 from 2023 Ryder Cup | Improved Ryder Cup form |
| Matt Fitzpatrick | Captain’s pick | Experienced match player | Reliable option in singles |
Europe heads to Bethpage with a familiar pack, a rookie spark, and the clear target of silencing the U.S. crowd on their own turf. Expect drama, tight matches, and some classic Ryder Cup intensity.
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Additional Resources
- Golf.com: Ryder Cup Snubs for 2025 European Ryder Cup
- ESPN: Donald Fills Europe Ryder Cup Team with Familiar Names
- The Guardian: Lowry, Rahm, Luke Donald Among Six Wildcard Picks for Europe Ryder Cup Defence
- Google Search: Ryder Cup
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ryder Cup
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