Luke Donald has unveiled his six captain’s picks for the upcoming Ryder Cup as the veteran leans towards experience to complete Team Europe’s squad.
Shane Lowry, Jon Rahm, Sepp Straka, Viktor Hovland, Ludvig Åberg, and Matt Fitzpatrick have all been selected by the 47-year-old who will join the six automatic qualifiers that were confirmed following the conclusion of the TOUR Championship.
On Lowry, his first pick, Donald said: “He brings infectious energy. He understands ‘team’ more than anything else. It’s really great to have his energy, his vibe in the team room.”
On being picked, Lowry said: “Honestly it’s unbelievable, it’s been a stressful few weeks and year to make the team. I’m very grateful Luke and his team have put their faith in me again.”
On Rahm, his second pick, Donald said: “Jon really sets the standard for us. He’s usually the first person up, last person out. It’s amazing how he understands the history of the Ryder Cup and what it represents. Jon takes that history under heart and plays like it.”
On what the biggest challenge will be, Rahm said: “The biggest challenge for most of us might be the environment but it can be used in our advantage. New York fans can be very fun, very creative. Stressful yes, but it can be fun, very productive.”
On Straka, his third pick, Donald said: “His game speaks for itself. A quiet, reserved character but he has so much fire in his belly.”
On being picked for the second successive year, Straka said: “It’s incredible. Watching those videos gets you really excited. You think making the Ryder Cup is checking off a list but it makes you want to be there so much more next time around.
On Hovland, his fourth pick, Donald said: “Viktor is one of my favourite humans, he really is a good guy. I’m always so impressed how dedicated he is to his craft. He was a lion for us in Rome and he will continue to be that in Bethpage.”
Hovland added: “It’s unbelievable, it’s awesome to be here. My palms are getting really sweaty. I’m super excited to get going.”
On Åberg, his fifth pick, Donald said: “Winning on the PGA TOUR, the accolades keep coming. He’s still only just starting his career and he’s already proven he can hang.”
Aberg stated: “I definitely feel more experienced this time. Last time it was short in my professional career. I had the most amazing week in Rome, being in the locker room with all those legends I was really proud to be part of that team.”
On Fitzpatrick, his sixth and final pick, Donald said: “Matt himself said he didn’t get off to the best start this year, was struggling with his game, but he’s turned it around professionally. I challenged him to go and play the last two events in Europe and getting to the last group on Sunday the last two weeks shows what Matthew has. Really impressive to see how much his game has come along trying to make this team.”
On his form, Fitzpatrick said: “To finish the Ryder Cup run-in with the form I’ve shown is a real positive and it would be lovely to continue that going into Bethpage.”
The likes of Marco Penge and Harry Hall missed out.
Team Europe Full Lineup
- Rory McIlroy
- Robert MacIntrye
- Tommy Fleetwood
- Justin Rose
- Rasmus Højgaard
- Tyrrell Hatton
- Shane Lowry
- Jon Rahm
- Sepp Straka
- Viktor Hovland
- Ludvig Åberg
- Matt Fitzpatrick
On his final lineup, Donald said: “I feel amazingly proud of these guys and how well they’ve played.
“Obviously a lot of continuity from Rome and it’s unusual to have so many people back, but that just shows how good these plyers are.
“Even though we have a lot of continuity, this is a different animal to play away in America.
“Even understand how difficult that is and I’ve looked at it from very different angles to try and get us prepared for this amazing challenge ahead.”
Team Europe will look to retain the Ryder Cup on U.S. soil for the first time since 2012 between 26-28 September in what will be the 45th edition of the biennial team contest taking place at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York.