Paris (AFP) – Europe captain Luke Donald selected major winners Shane Lowry and Jon Rahm among his six captain’s picks for the upcoming Ryder Cup on Monday. Also named were Sepp Straka, Viktor Hovland, Ludvig Aberg, and Matt Fitzpatrick. This group joins automatic qualifiers Rory McIlroy, Robert MacIntyre, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose, and Tyrrell Hatton, with Rasmus Hojgaard claiming the final guaranteed spot after last month’s British Masters.
Europe defends the trophy at Bethpage, New York, from September 26-28 as they seek a first victory on US soil since their ‘Miracle at Medinah’ success in 2012. All but one of Donald’s team featured during Europe’s 16.5-11.5 victory in Rome in 2023. The only change is the inclusion of Rasmus Hojgaard, who replaces his brother, Nicolai.
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“I feel amazingly proud of these guys. A lot of continuity from Rome, that is a bit unusual, but shows how good they are,” explained Donald at the naming ceremony at Sky Sports in England. “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 and prepare us for the challenge ahead,” he added.
Lowry, pipped by Hojgaard for automatic qualification, was the first name out of Donald’s hat. “He was very close to making it automatically. You see what Shane brings with his infectious energy,” said Donald. “He understands team above everything else. It is great to have his energy and vibes in the team room. He is one hell of a player as well.” This is the former British Open winner’s third consecutive Ryder Cup appearance as a captain’s pick.
“It’s unbelievable,” said the 38-year-old Irishman. “It’s been a stressful few weeks and a stressful year trying to make the team.”
Rahm, who like Hatton plays on the Saudi-backed breakaway LIV tour, has earned 7 and a half points in his previous three appearances in the biennial event. “Jon sets the standard for us,” said Donald. “He is meticulous with what he does. He is first up and last out of the team room. He understands the history of the Ryder Cup and what it represents, following in the footsteps of some amazing Spanish players.”
Hovland was thrilled to return to the Ryder Cup cauldron after combining with Aberg for two big foursome wins. “He was a lion for us in Rome, and he will continue to be that in Bethpage,” Donald commented. “I can feel my palms are getting really sweaty, and I’m super excited to get going,” said the Norwegian player.
For Fitzpatrick, it was the perfect present on his 31st birthday. “Matt said himself that he didn’t get off to the best start this year but he has turned it around impressively,” noted Donald. “Statistically, no one has been as good as he has the last three or four months.” Aberg, who made his Ryder Cup debut in 2023, said, “I definitely feel more experienced this time.”
Lowry, Straka, Aberg, Hovland, and Fitzpatrick were the top five outside of the automatic qualification spots in qualifying. Donald’s Europe is seeking their first back-to-back titles in 19 years.
Last week, Donald’s opposite number, US skipper Keegan Bradley, opted not to become the first playing captain in 62 years. Instead, he named two-time major winners Justin Thomas and Collin Morikawa, Ryder Cup veterans Patrick Cantlay and Sam Burns, and rookies Ben Griffin and Cameron Young. They join the six automatic qualifiers for the US lineup: top-ranked Scottie Scheffler, two-time major winners Xander Schauffele and Bryson DeChambeau, US Open winner J.J. Spaun, and his fellow Ryder Cup rookie Russell Henley, and Harris English.
© 2024 AFP
