Rory McIlroy has booked his place on the European Ryder Cup team and the race to join him is entering the home straight.
Luke Donald’s dozen will head to New York in September looking for a first win on American soil since 2012 and only a third away victory this century, having been so dominant in Rome in 2023.
Rory McIlroy took Masters glory after one of the most dramatic majors in recent years, as he survived a back-nine wobble to beat Justin Rose in a play-off and complete the career Grand Slam.
The Northern Irishman enjoyed a strong Open showing at Royal Portrush, as did Bob MacIntyre. A top-ten finish for the Scot has moved him up to second in the Ryder Cup qualification standings.
He has moved above Tommy Fleetwood, who is third despite his disappointment at the Travelers Championship, where he held a one-shot lead on the 72nd hole but three-putted as USA Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley snatched victory.
Tyrrell Hatton has his opportunities to gain pointed limited by playing on the LIV tour, yet he still finds himself fourth in the standings after another strong week at the Open.
Jon Rahm is down in 21th but appears certain to be given a captain’s pick, while Matt Fitzpatrick finished in a tie for fourth at Portrush to remind Donald of what he has to offer.
How does qualifying for the Ryder Cup work?
There has been a significant change to the qualifying process for this year’s Ryder Cup.
This time there are not separate European and world points lists, but instead one set of rankings that awards points based on performances in the majors as well as PGA and DP World Tour events.
The top six in those standings on Sunday August 24, 2025 will automatically earn a place on the European team in New York.
Captain Luke Donald will then have six picks to make up his team of 12.
European team rankings
(Players in bold currently qualifying. Q denotes already qualified)
Position |
Player |
Points |
1 |
Rory McIlroy (Q) |
3440.78 |
2 |
Robert MacIntyre |
1345.44 |
3 |
Tommy Fleetwood |
1314.61 |
4 |
Tyrrell Hatton |
1279.33 |
5 |
Shane Lowry |
1234.11 |
6 |
Sepp Straka |
1226.83 |
7 |
Rasmus Hojgaard |
1135.11 |
8 |
Justin Rose |
1019.62 |
9 |
Ludvig Aberg |
1006.83 |
10 |
Viktor Hovland |
930.31 |
11 |
Thomas Detry |
780.29 |
12 |
Matt Wallace |
752.77 |
