Luke Donald stuck with a familiar formula as he named his captain’s picks for the European Ryder Cup team.
The former world number one led Team Europe to a resounding victory in Rome two years ago and now looks to repeat that on American soil next month at Bethpage.
There is just one change to the successful dozen from 2023, with Rasmus Hojgaard replacing his twin brother Nicolai.
Donald did not spring any surprises with his six picks. Jon Rahm, Viktor Hovland and Ludvig Aberg missed out on automatic qualification but were all viewed as certainties to be on the team.
Donald said of Hovland: "Look at his energy and his smile. He is one of my favourite humans.
“I am always so impressed with how dedicated he is to his craft. He was a lion of us in Rome and he will continue to be that in Bethpage."
Shane Lowry has had a relatively quiet few months, with a best finish in the majors this year of a tie for 40th, but he finished seventh in the standings and has done enough to earn a third straight appearance on the Ryder Cup team.
"It's unbelievable,” Lowry admitted. “It's been a stressful few weeks and stressful year trying to make the team.
Matt Fitzpatrick has been included too, having enjoyed a welcome upturn in form over the past two months, and Sepp Straka will once again tee it up for Team Europe.
"You always want to see who are you up against and no-one has won on the PGA Tour more this year outside of Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler,” Donald said of Straka’s inclusion.
“He has been performing at a very high level. His game speaks for himself. A quiet reserved character but has a fire in his belly."
Hojgaard was the final player to seal an automatic spot when finishing 13th at the British Masters, joining Rory McIlroy, Robert MacIntyre, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose and Tyrrell Hatton as the automatic qualifiers.
It means there is no place on the team for Matt Wallace, who broke down in tears after the Omega European Masters on Sunday.
The Englishman likely needed a defence of his title to force himself into contention, but had to settle for a share of second.
He then cut an interview short after his final round. “I’ll never give up on the Ryder Cup,” he said, as he walked away in tears.
"I'll never give up on the Ryder Cup!"
— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) August 31, 2025
Matt Wallace breaks down in tears over Team Europe hopes 🇪🇺 pic.twitter.com/6k2i7H5en3
Keegan Bradley named his American team last week and opted against becoming the first player-captain since 1963.
The world number 11 did not use a captain’s pick on himself, instead opting for Ben Griffin, Sam Burns, Cameron Young, Patrick Cantlay, Justin Thomas and Collin Morikawa as his selections.
Bryson DeChambeau is the only LIV player on Team USA, while Scottie Scheffler will hope to carry his form across another superb year into the action at Bethpage.
US Open champion JJ Spaun, Russell Henley, Xander Schauffele and Harris English complete the team.
