Donald completes European Ryder Cup line-up
Captain backs experience and unity as Bethpage challenge looms
Las Vegas - Luke Donald has named Ludvig Åberg, Matt Fitzpatrick, Viktor Hovland, Shane Lowry, Jon Rahm and Sepp Straka as his six Captain’s Picks to finalise Europe’s 12-man team for the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black from September 26-28.
The six join automatic qualifiers Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton, Rasmus Højgaard, Robert MacIntyre, Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose. Eleven of the twelve featured in Europe’s 16½-11½ victory in Rome two years ago, with only Højgaard making his debut.
Donald said: “I am delighted to welcome Ludvig, Matt, Viktor, Shane, Jon and Sepp to Team Europe, alongside our six automatic qualifiers. We are a settled and united team with a strong culture.”
The captain underlined the importance of experience, noting that Fitzpatrick and Rahm have three previous appearances each, while McIlroy will compete for the eighth time. Åberg and Straka, who made winning debuts in Rome, face their first away test in New York.
Donald added: “Although the team itself is similar to Rome, I have approached this captaincy from a very different angle. A different challenge requires different thinking and strategies. Together we are focused on trying to retain the Ryder Cup in New York and create history.”