Ryder Cup: Luke Donald reveals Team Europe with near-identical lineup to 2023
Ben Smith 
Europe captain Luke Donald has made his selections ahead of this month's Ryder Cup, backing six familiar names to defend their crown in the US.
The hosts will sports betting sites to reclaim the title after losing it on European soil two years ago, but Donald has kept faith with members of his team as they look to become the first team to win on foreign soil since the Miracle of Medinah, 13 years ago.
Free Bets golf expert Ben Smith takes a closer look at the team Donald has selected.
European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald has announced his team for this month’s showdown at Bethpage Black. His six wildcard picks - Shane Lowry, Jon Rahm, Sepp Straka, Viktor Hovland, Ludvig Aberg and Matt Fitzpatrick - were all part of the side that secured a 16½-11½ win over the United States in Rome in 2023.
They will line up alongside automatic qualifiers Rory McIlroy, Robert MacIntyre, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose, Rasmus Hojgaard and Tyrrell Hatton, as Europe bid for a first success on American soil since the Miracle at Medinah in 2012.
Donald told Sky Sports: "There is a lot of continuity from Rome. That is a bit unusual, but shows how good they are.
"But while there is continuity, this is a different animal to play away in America. We know how difficult it is. I have looked at lots of different angles to try to prepare us for the challenge ahead.
"It is about implementing new techniques. I am aware we have lost three of the past four away Ryder Cups by significant margins.
"I have tried everything I can to give my team the best opportunity."
In contrast to US captain Keegan Bradley, Donald has chosen a fully experienced lineup. The only newcomer is Hojgaard, who secured his place through the points list, taking the spot his twin brother Nicolai held last time out in Italy.
Rahm, Hovland and Åberg were always assured of their spots, but the rest of Donald’s selections remained uncertain for much of the build-up.
Fitzpatrick’s resurgence in recent months proved decisive in earning his place. After a slow start to the golf season, the 2022 US Open champion delivered a run of results including T8 at the PGA Championship, T4 at the Open Championship, and five further top 10s.
His prowess with the putter has also returned at just the right time, while his improved length off the tee gives Europe another weapon on a demanding Bethpage layout.
Lowry’s place was never seriously under threat, though an indifferent run may have given him pause. His tee-to-green stats have dipped in recent months, but his big-match pedigree and proven Ryder Cup temperament cement his status as a key member of Donald’s side.
The former Open champion remains one of the most passionate figures in the European locker room, and his leadership qualities are considered invaluable in an away contest.
Straka managed just one point from three matches on his Ryder Cup debut, but his performances on the PGA Tour since then left little doubt about his return. The Austrian has enjoyed an outstanding campaign, highlighted by a win at the American Express in January before adding another title at the Truist Championship in May.
That consistency, coupled with his growing stature on the PGA Tour, positions the 32-year-old to make a stronger impact in New York. Known for his accuracy off the tee and calm temperament under pressure, Straka could be a valuable asset in foursomes as well as singles.
