Luke Donald Finalizes Team Europe for Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black

,, September 1, 2025

News Summary

European captain Luke Donald has announced his final six captain’s picks for the Ryder Cup, set to take place at Bethpage Black. The chosen players, including Shane Lowry and Jon Rahm, bring a mix of experience and familiarity, crucial for competing against the United States. This roster aims for Europe’s fifth away win in Ryder Cup history, while the 2025 event promises to challenge seasoned competitors against a revamped American team under Keegan Bradley.

New York — Donald’s Dream Team: Six Picks Complete Europe’s Ryder Cup Roster for Bethpage Black

Luke Donald has locked in the final line-up to take on the United States at Bethpage Black next fall, and it’s a blend of familiar faces and steady hands. The European captain handed out six captain’s picks that bring experience, continuity, and a clear message: this roster is built to win on foreign soil.

The six selections that finish the squad

The players chosen as captain’s picks are Shane Lowry, Jon Rahm, Sepp Straka, Viktor Hovland, Ludvig Åberg, and Matt Fitzpatrick. All six were part of Europe’s winning team in Rome in 2023, so chemistry and championship experience played a big role in Donald’s decisions.

Automatic qualifiers and the final picture

Earlier qualifications wrapped up after the Betfred British Masters on August 24, producing six automatic spots. Those who made it in by points were Rory McIlroy, Robert MacIntyre, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose, Rasmus Hojgaard, and Tyrrell Hatton. With Donald’s six picks added, Team Europe’s final 12 is set and heavy on continuity from the Rome victory.

Why experience mattered

Donald prioritized seasoned competitors for a reason: winning in America is a different beast. The captain made it clear that the team is being built to earn Europe’s fifth away win in Ryder Cup history, and their first since the dramatic success at Medinah in 2012. Those tactical and psychological pressures on U.S. soil push captains toward players who have been there before and thrived.

Notable roster details

• Jon Rahm will appear in his fourth consecutive Ryder Cup, adding a steady elite presence.
• Rasmus Hojgaard will be the only rookie on the team, stepping in where his twin Nicolai Hojgaard does not make the cut.
• Viktor Hovland and Ludvig Åberg arrive as an established pairing — they were unbeaten together at the last Ryder Cup and produced a record-setting win during that event.
• Matt Fitzpatrick was the final choice from the captain, chosen after a flare of recent form with top-eight finishes in five of his last seven tournaments.

Tough misses and the reaction

Not everyone made it. Matt Wallace fell short, finishing 12th in the qualification standings and missing out on a captain’s pick. He expressed disappointment but remains determined to push for future cycles. Other names that were in the conversation included Marco Penge and Harry Hall, but neither secured a spot.

Heading to Bethpage Black

The 2025 Ryder Cup takes place from September 26-28, 2025, at the famously stern Bethpage Black. Coverage will be available live on designated broadcasters, giving golf fans the chance to follow every session as the Europeans try to repeat the magic of Rome on American soil.

What the opposition looks like

Team USA will bring some fresh faces as well. There are six new players compared with the previous Ryder Cup, and the American side is led by a captain described as a rookie in that role, Keegan Bradley. That turnover gives the match an element of unpredictability to go along with Europe’s strong core.

Final thought

This Europe team leans on a core that knows how to win together. Donald’s selections are a clear pitch toward calm heads, proven pairings, and players in form. Bethpage Black is a stern test; whether experience or new energy carries the day will be the storyline to watch as Ryder Cup week draws near.

FAQ

Quick Reference Table — Team Europe at a glance

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HERE Resources

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Ryder Cup Shockwave: Captain Keegan Bradley Exits Playing Roster
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Additional Resources

• Sky Sports
• Wikipedia: Ryder Cup
• The Independent
• Google Search: Ryder Cup 2025
• Fox Sports
• Google Scholar: Ryder Cup
• OutKick
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Ryder Cup
• Golfweek
• Google News: Ryder Cup 2025

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