Shane Lowry is set to join Rory McIlroy and the European team at New York’s Bethpage at the end of the month after being selected as one of Luke Donald’s six Ryder Cup wildcard picks this afternoon.
The Offaly man had looked destined to qualify automatically for the first time only to be overtaken by Rasmus Højgaard at the 11th hour, but any worries for Lowry were temporary as he received the good news from the European captain over the weekend before the announcement was made public on Monday afternoon.
Joining Lowry are two-time major winner Jon Rahm, two-time 2025 PGA Tour winner, Sepp Straka, the Scandinavian duo of Ludvig Åberg and Viktor Hovland, and 2022 U.S. Open winner, Matt Fitzpatrick.
“A man for the big occasion,” Donald cited when announcing Lowry as his first captain’s selection. “A major champion, he is making his third consecutive appearance for team Europe. My first pick is Shane Lowry!”
“Honestly, it’s unbelievable,” Lowry said via video link from Ireland where he is preparing to compete in the Irish Open at The K Club this week. “It’s been a stressful few weeks, a stressful year trying to make the team, and, obviously I’m very grateful that Luke and his team have put their faith in me again this time, and, hopefully I can repay them by producing the goods at Bethpage in a few weeks’ time.”
When asked if it was a straightforward decision to include Lowry in the team, Donald referenced the energy and team spirit that Lowry has displayed in his two previous appearances
“Well, he obviously was very close to making it automatically – lost by four points – but you know, I think we see in that highlight reel what Shane brings to a Ryder Cup, you know, his infectious energy amongst the team,” Donald said.
“He understands team above everything else more than most of the guys, and it’s just really great to have his energy and his vibe in the team room, but you know, [he’s] one hell of a player as well.”
Lowry admitted that, after making his debut at Whistling Straits in 2021, it was tough to return to normal life, even if it didn’t go quite as planned, and that the experience made it all the more important for him to ensure that he made the teams in 2023 and 2025.
“Yeah, I remember coming down afterwards, from being there with the team and how much I enjoyed the whole experience, even though in 2021 we got beaten quite badly, but all my focus then after that was kind of put into making that team in 2023 and and trying not only making the team, but trying to win the Ryder Cup back and, I had an amazing week in Rome, and we did a great job.
“Everyone – Luke and everyone involved – did a great job, and I was grateful to be a part of that team, and then, you know, I honestly feel like I get up every morning and one of my main goals is always working towards whatever Ryder Cup is next.
“So, you know, Bethpage is very close around the corner and, I’ve put a lot of work into it this year. It’s been at the forefront of my mind for a long time now and I’m very excited for the next few weeks.”
Lowry is expecting the U.S. fans to be vocal at Bethpage, but pointed out that there were no European fans on the grounds at Whistling Straits in 2021 due to COVID travel restrictions and expects that Donald will have his 12 players well prepared for what they’ll face in New York.
“Yeah, obviously Whistling Straits was a bit different where there were no European fans at all,” he explained. “I know there won’t be as many European fans as Americans this time, but, there’ll still be a few, and I’d imagine the few that come will bring their support.
“There’s been a lot of talk about what it’s going to be like at Bethpage, but if there’s one thing, I know for sure, I know Luke Donald and his team will have us ready to to go when it comes to that Friday morning.
“So, I’m excited to get to work with everyone behind the scenes and, like I said, just really excited for the next few weeks.”
