Team Europe Ryder Cup Picks

Luke Donald is sticking with his Rome-winning formula. Continuity over chaos. Smart move? We’ll find out soon enough. Here’s the line up:

Automatic Picks:
McIlroy, MacIntyre, Fleetwood, Rose, Rasmus Højgaard, Hatton.
That’s the backbone. Veterans mixed with just one rookie in Rasmus. Rory comes in off his career Grand Slam. He says motivation has dipped since Augusta, but at Bethpage he won’t need reminding what’s at stake. Fleetwood finally got his PGA Tour win. Hatton’s still fueled by fire (and maybe a few four-letter words). And Rose? Ice in the veins, experience for days.

Captain’s Picks:
Lowry, Rahm, Straka, Hovland, Åberg, Fitzpatrick.
Donald didn’t reinvent the wheel. Rahm and McIlroy are the twin engines—Europe goes as they go. Hovland’s finding form again, Straka’s been steady, and Lowry’s a gamer who thrives in the team room. Åberg is still the “generational talent,” and Fitzpatrick will be desperate to prove his 1-7-0 record isn’t the whole story.

The Question: Can they win in the U.S. for the first time since Medinah in 2012?
Bethpage Black isn’t Rom - it’s a beast with a hostile crowd. Europe’s calling card has always been determination, camaraderie, and the ability to silence a crowd with clutch putts. This squad has all the ingredients, but the recipe only works if Rahm and Rory deliver points and the rookies don’t blink.

Donald’s gamble is simple: roll with proven chemistry, hope the veterans rise, and let the kids play fearless golf. At Bethpage, there won’t be room for excuses—just results.

A perfect gift for any Ryder Cup loving Golf Dad!