Ryder Cup captains Luke Donald and Keegan Bradley are close to finalising their teams for next month’s showdown in New York, but when will they announce their six captain’s picks?
The six automatic qualifiers for Team USA are already locked in, with Bryson DeChambeau, Russell Henley and Harris English confirming their places following last week’s BMW Championship.
They join World No.1 Scottie Scheffler, US Open champion JJ Spaun and Xander Schauffele at Bethpage as Team USA bid to wrestle the Ryder Cup back from European hands and continue a lengthy winning streak for home teams.
RYDER CUP: TEAM USA QUALIFIERS
Scottie Scheffler
JJ Spaun
Xander Schauffele
Russell Henley
Harris English
Bryson DeChambeau
Europe currently have five automatic qualifiers confirmed, with Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose joined by Bob MacIntyre and Tyrrell Hatton following last week’s tournaments.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Shane Lowry currently occupies the sixth and final automatic spot for the holders, but with no points on offer at this week’s Tour Championship, the Irishman could be unseated by Rasmus Hojgaard.
The Dane, whose twin brother Nicolai starred for Europe in Rome two years ago, can earn enough points to qualify with a top-29 finish in the British Masters at The Belfry.
RYDER CUP: TEAM EUROPE STANDINGS
Rory McIlroy (Q)
Bob MacIntyre (Q)
Tommy Fleetwood (Q)
Justin Rose (Q)
Tyrrell Hatton (Q)
Shane Lowry
Sepp Straka
Rasmus Hojgaard
If Hojgaard knocks Lowry out of the top six in the final qualifying event, then the Irishman would surely be guaranteed a pick from Donald.
The European skipper is likely to favour experience when he considers his captain’s picks, with Matt Fitzpatrick, Ludvig Aberg, Sepp Straka, Viktor Hovland and Jon Rahm the hot favourites to join Lowry in the side.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Bradley’s situation is a little more complicated, mainly because he is in form and would be deserving of a pick if he wasn’t captain, with McIlroy among many who have insisted that being a player-captain at the Ryder Cup is not possible.
Former European Ryder Cup captain Sam Torrance goes even further by saying it would be the “worst decision of all time” in the biennial contest.
Rory McIlroy said he has turned down the opportunity of being a playing captain in future Ryder Cups because he doesn’t “think you can do it.” 👀 pic.twitter.com/YC54qVWnd7
— GolfMagic (@GolfMagic) August 14, 2025
Whatever he decides, Bradley will be the first captain to announce his picks, which will be broadcast live on the evening of Wednesday 27 August.
Donald will then unveil his six picks in a special live show from the studios at Sky Sports, currently scheduled for a 2pm start on Monday 1 September.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
The 45th edition of the Ryder Cup will take place at Bethpage Black from 26-28 September.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
