Ryder Cup 2025: Who Will Make the Cut for Team Europe?
All Square 5min read •
1 Sep
With the Ryder Cup fast approaching, golf fans are buzzing with speculation about who will complete Team Europe’s lineup. Six automatic qualifiers are already locked in — Rory McIlroy, Robert MacIntyre, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose, Rasmus Højgaard, and Tyrrell Hatton — giving Captain Luke Donald a solid backbone of talent and experience. Yet the captain’s six picks will define the squad’s character and chemistry as they head into battle at Bethpage Black, a notoriously demanding New Yorkcourse where the American crowd will be loud, passionate, and relentless.
The Foundation of Certainty
At the top of Donald’s considerations are the players whose inclusion feels inevitable. Jon Rahm may have played fewer events on the DP World Tour due to his move to LIV Golf, but his world-class record in majors and match play makes him impossible to overlook. His fiery temperament, combined with his ability to produce extraordinary golf under pressure, has made him one of Europe’s most feared Ryder Cup performers.
Equally compelling is Viktor Hovland, whose calm demeanour and steady consistency provide the perfect counterbalance to Rahm’s intensity. The Norwegian star has cemented his reputation as one of the most reliable players in the game and would bring both strength and stability to Europe’s middle order.
Alongside them, Ludvig Åberg, the Swedish sensation who made such an impression in Rome in 2023, has continued to prove that he belongs at the very top level. With his youthful energy and fearless approach, Åberg offers exactly the kind of spark Europe needs to face down a partisan American crowd.
Experience Meets Passion
Another name almost certain to feature is Shane Lowry. The Irishman narrowly missed out on automatic qualification, edged by Rasmus Højgaard, but his place in the team seems safe. Lowry is not only popular among fans but also a unifying figure in the locker room, known for his gritty performances in tough conditions. He embodies the passion and resilience that European golf prides itself on, qualities that could prove invaluable at Bethpage.
Matt Fitzpatrick also finds himself in strong contention. A U.S. Open champion with Ryder Cup experience, Fitzpatrick combines technical precision with a quiet steeliness that belies his soft-spoken personality. He may not be as flamboyant as others, but his consistency and adaptability in pressure situations make him a very attractive option for Donald.
The Wildcard Factor
While the core of the team feels relatively settled, the real intrigue lies in the fringe picks. Sepp Straka is one such case: two PGA Tour victories have underlined his pedigree, yet his form has been inconsistent. Donald must weigh whether Straka’s potential for brilliance outweighs the risk of unpredictability.
Then there is Matt Wallace, whose resurgence in form has come at just the right time. His recent performances, particularly at the European Masters, have reignited his Ryder Cup hopes, and his visible emotion about the possibility of representing Europe has not gone unnoticed. Captains often value players who wear their passion on their sleeve, and Wallace may well fit that bill.
Marco Penge is another interesting prospect. The Englishman has been a breakout story on the DP World Tour, showing flashes of real scoring ability. While he lacks Ryder Cup experience, his fearless play and strong form in 2025 could make him a dark-horse candidate if Donald wants to inject fresh energy into the team.
Nicolai Højgaard also deserves mention. Despite being left out of the automatic qualifiers this time, Nicolai was part of the winning side in Rome in 2023 and brings a proven Ryder Cup pedigree at just 24 years old. With his twin Rasmus making the team automatically, there is a compelling narrative for Donald to consider keeping both brothers together for chemistry and continuity.
Other names — Aaron Rai, with his trademark consistency; Harry Hall, known for his superb putting. Each brings something unique, though questions about reliability and experience may work against them when the final decision is made.
A Team That Feels Familiar
What stands out this year is the sense of continuity. If Donald leans toward Rahm, Åberg, Hovland, Lowry, Fitzpatrick, and perhaps Straka or Wallace, Team Europe will look strikingly similar to the side that triumphed in Rome in 2023. Apart from the inclusion of Rasmus Højgaard in place of his brother Nicolai, the lineup has a familiar feel — experienced, cohesive, and battle-tested. For Donald, that may be a blessing. At Bethpage, where the atmosphere is likely to be as intimidating as any Ryder Cup in history, familiarity and unity may prove to be his greatest weapons.
The Announcement Awaits
The suspense won’t last much longer. Luke Donald will reveal his six captain’s picks on Monday, September 1st, 2025, at 2 PM BST, with the announcement broadcast live on Sky Sports Golf and streamed across Ryder Cup Europe’s official social channels. For golf fans, it is a moment that carries more weight than a simple roster reveal. These choices will signal Europe’s strategy, shape the team dynamic, and perhaps even set the psychological tone for one of the sport’s greatest contests.
Final Thoughts
The Ryder Cup has always been about more than talent alone. It is about chemistry, resilience, and the ability to rise under the unique pressure of representing an entire continent. Europe’s automatic qualifiers already form a formidable group, but Donald’s captain’s picks will decide whether the team has the balance, spark, and heart to withstand the cauldron of Bethpage Black. Whether it’s the fire of Rahm, the steadiness of Hovland, the grit of Lowry, or the passion of Wallace, each choice will carry its own story — and together, they will define Europe’s fate in 2025.
