Europe name least changed Ryder Cup team in history

With just one change to the team that defeated the United States in 2023, Europe will have their lowest-ever team in Ryder Cup history.

Rasmus Hojgaard, who qualified through the ranking system, is the only new player and takes his twin brother Nicolai’s place.

And when Bethpage Black host Luke Donald announced his six wildcard picks on Monday, he chose experience for the away game in New York from September 26 to September 28.

Donald chose the players who played in the 161 – 1112-per-game victory in Rome in 2023: Shane Lowry, Jon Rahm, Sepp Straka, Viktor Hovland, Ludvig Aberg, and Matt Fitzpatrick.

There have never been so few changes to a team since the 1979 Ryder Cup’s modified rules for European players — on average, Europe make five changes in each two-year cycle.

On Sky Sports, Donald stated, “There is a lot of continuity from Rome, which is a little unusual, but shows how good they are.”

“Although there is continuity, this is a different animal to play away with in America,” he said. We are aware of the difficulty. In an effort to get us ready for the challenge that lies ahead, I have examined many different viewpoints.

It’s about putting forth new methods. I am aware that we have conceded a significant amount of money in three of our previous four away Ryder Cups.

“I’ve made every effort possible to give my team the best chance.”

Players like Lowry, Rahm, Aberg, and Hovland looked guaranteed for selection despite there having been a lot of rumors recently as to who would get a pick.

And Donald, who won the game in Rome, accepted that he had to make some difficult decisions.

The most challenging aspect of a captain’s job, he continued, “is the last two weeks.”

“There are people who are competing for positions and those who feel like they could have done enough, but when they are called and say they aren’t on the team, that’s difficult.

After finishing his final round of the European Masters on Sunday, Matt Wallace, who placed 12th overall, was in shock knowing he would miss out.

The 35-year-old, who won three events but was overlooked for a spot in 2018 as well, promised to “never give up on the Ryder Cup.”

Marco Penge, an Englishman who placed 14th on the list, was also said to be in contention. The 27-year-old has won twice on the DP World Tour in 2025, rising from the bottom 400 a year ago to the position of world no 60, and his big-hitting game may have been suited for Bethpage Black’s length.

Following his victory in Rome, McIlroy described winning the Ryder Cup away match as “one of golf’s greatest achievements.”

The Northern Irishman was a member of the team that won the “miracle of Medinah” and the 2012 match with a narrow margin of victory in the final day’s 12 singles matches, 1412-1312).

Since the 1993 Belfry, the US has not won anything.

There are advantages to home captains’ course configuration being adapted to suit their players, while supporters can also play their part, and Bethpage Black is expected to be a hostile environment for European players.

In light of this, Donald obviously wants Ryder Cup players who have participated in other teams.

Straka and Aberg are the only picks that have never played away.

No one has won on the PGA Tour this year more than Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler, and Straka has shown his mettle, he added, “has a fire in his belly” despite Donald calling him a “quiet reserved character” and claiming that he “has a fire in his belly.”

In Rome, Hovland and Aberg’s team won the game 9& 7 victory over Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka in a superbly coordinated foursome. World No. 1 Scheffler was overcome by the incident, which caused him to cry.

Hovland was described by Donald as “a lion in Rome” and as “that which he will remain in Bethpage.”

Lowry, who was chosen for automatic qualification on the final day, will be the third captain’s pick, according to Donald, while “meticulous” Rahm “sets the standards” and is “first in and last out of the team room.” He is aware of the significance and significance of the Ryder Cup’s history.

Perhaps Fitzpatrick was the player who was most likely to miss out, despite admitting to himself that he did not have the best start to the season and had only managed one point in three previous Ryder Cup starts. In five games, he has collected no points, having only played in away games twice.

However, Donald made the observation that “statistically, no-one has been as good as he has been in the last three or four months.”

Donald remarked, “He is playing fantastic golf.” “It is really impressive to see his game develop in his quest to join this team.”

Home advantage has been a big factor in recent biennial contests, and the US has won by 10 points at Whistling Straits in 2021 and six at Hazeltine in 2016.

Despite placing 11th on the list, US captain Keegan Bradley made the announcement of his six wildcard choices last week.