Luke Donald reveals Team Europe’s Ryder Cup captain’s picks 🚨🇪🇺

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Luke Donald has named six of Europe’s victorious 2023 Ryder Cup team as his captain’s picks to complete his line-up for this year’s contest in New York.

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Well, the wait is nearly over for the 45th plane of the Rider Cup. A warm welcome to Sky Studios on the outskirts of London and the home of televised golf in the UK and Ireland. Also though, where we will host Captain Luke Donald today, where he will bid to make his European side whole. And we’ll find out the 12 that will face the United States at Beth Page. Under four weeks to go. It’s a long old wait between them, but more than worth it. The bional contest as continents collide. Europe versus the United States on the back of victory in Rome. We heard Keegan make his team up. The six are now 12, the United States last Wednesday. Today we’ll find out the 12 players to represent Europe at Beth Page Black. One of the great sporting cities in the world of New York will be the backdrop. So without further ado, we should welcome our captain who has led by example both as a player but also in the driver’s seat. Two more years indeed. And they have their wish. A warm welcome to an icon of European teams, the ruler in Rome. It’s Captain Luke Donald. [Music] Good to see you. Thanks for coming in. Cheers. Well, we have walked this road before. Two years ago, uh Luke as a Rad Cup captain for the first time, usually one go. That’s usually what you get. You did a fine job in Rome. You’re back again with the responsibility. How’s it been this time around? Yeah, two more years. Two more years, they shouted. I can’t believe we’re back here again. Um the time has flown by, but uh the was the greatest privilege of my golfing life to be Ryder Cup captain in Rome. Um, I’ve obviously dedicated the last three years now uh of my life towards this. I I understand exactly what the Ryder Cup represents and absolutely um um delighted to be able to share the next six players that are going to form out our team. Well, right before we do that, let’s remind everybody at home of the six that we already have, the automatic qualifiers for the European side for the 2025 RDER Cup. Uh when you look through them, they look well to us. Luke, what do you make of your first six? Incredible. Uh, incredible players, incredible people. Um, you could just go down the line. Raasmus what he did showing such heart and grit, you know, to get through uh automatically. Tur um had very limited starts to to make it automatically. Justin keeps uh defining his age and time. Um it’s nice to have Tommy, FedEx Cup champion, Rory obviously a giant, and Bob, you know, we all know what he did uh two years ago. unbeaten as a rookie. He is a much better player than he was two years ago. Six lines to go to the Big Apple, but we got to add six more. So, rather than keeping them waiting, let’s get stuck into it. Your six captain’s picks. Uh Luke, please give us the first one to represent European. Yes. Um pick one. First up, we have a man who thrives in the biggest stages and whose passion for the Ryder Cup is second to none. A major champion. He is making his third consecutive appearance for team Europe. My first pick is Shane Lowry. [Applause] Well, there we have it. The first captain’s pick. Shane, uh, great to see you. Many congratulations. How’s it feel to be wearing the blue of Europe again? Uh, yeah. Thanks, Nick. Uh, honestly, it’s um it’s unbelievable. Uh, it’s been a stressful few weeks, stressful year trying to make the team and obviously I’m very grateful uh that Luke and his team have put their faith in me again this time and um hopefully I can uh repay them by producing the goods in bet page in a few weeks time. Uh Luke, I think a lot of people watching sort of felt like well Shane’s obvious Shane’s won. Shane’s won. Um for you, how easy of a decision was this and what does Shane add to the team? 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. He understands team above everything else more than most of the guys. And um it’s just really great to have his energy and his vibe in the team room, but you know, one hell of a player as well. Nice words from your captain, Shane. Look, in 2021 when you played your first one, I remember after it you found it quite tough going back to regular golf because of what it meant to play for Europe. What is it that it means to play for a European side in the RDER Cup? Yeah, I I uh I remember the come down afterwards uh from being there with the team and how much I enjoyed the whole experience even though in 2021 we got, you know, beaten quite badly. Um but all 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 RER Cup back and um I had an amazing week in Rome uh and we did a great job. Everyone Luke Luke and everyone involved did a great job and I was you know grateful to be a part of that team and then you know I honestly feel like I I get up every morning and one of my main goals is always working towards you know whatever Rder Cup is next. So, um, you know, Bet Page is very close around the corner and, uh, I’ve put a lot of work into it this year. I’ve I feel like, um, you know, it’s been at the forefront of my mind for a long time now and I’m very excited for the next few weeks. Well, you’ve had a taste of a Ryder Cup in the United States. How do you think this one’s going to be? Yeah. Um, obviously Western Straits was a bit different where we um, you know, was there was no European fans at all. I know there won’t be as many European fans as Americans this time, but um you know, there’ll still be a few and I’d imagine the few that come will will, you know, bring their support. Um there’s been a lot of talk about what it’s going to be like at Beth Paige, but if there’s one thing um 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 with everyone behind the scenes and uh like I said, h just really excited for the next few weeks. Well, congratulations, Shane. Uh, thoroughly deserved and we’ll look forward to watching you at Beth Paige Black. Luke Donald’s first Rder Cup captain’s pick today. It’s a reminder of Here he is. The first one is in the books. It’s a good start, Luke. It’s a really, really strong start, but let’s keep the hits coming. Let’s move on to your second captain’s pick. Right. For my second pick, a two-time major champion, a player who is continuing the great Spanish legacy in the RDER Cup. He is proudly part of team Europe for the fourth time. My second pick is John Ram. [Applause] [Music] Is it even really a Ryder Cup if there’s not some Spanish flare in that side? We’ve seen it historically. John, great to have you with us. Uh for you, this is your fourth goound. What does it mean this time? Uh it’s a different feeling. Uh I did not think I was going to be as as emotional as I feel right now being picked, even though Luke called me and told me a few days ago, uh it’s going to be special, you know. It’s going to be special. Cannot wait to be in Beth Page. New Yorkers are going to be incredible fans. Uh it’s going to be difficult for us, but I’m looking forward to hopefully having a better showing than than the last time we did in the US. Uh Luke, John is obviously a stalwart. He’s also one of the best players in the world. What’s his role within the team? Well, I think John really sets the standard for us. You know, he’s someone that uh does a lot of his actions through through just what he his processes of going, you know, being meticulous with what he does. You know, he’s usually the first person up. He’s the last person out of the team room that things like that that you notice with John. It’s amazing what uh he understands the history of the Ryder Cup, what it represents, and obviously wants to follow in the footsteps of some amazing Spanish players that have led the way. You know, the Sergios and the José Maria and of course Sevi um who uh we idolize in the RDER Cup for for what he represents. And you know, John um takes that history under heart and um you know, plays like it because of that. Uh there’s been one other Ryder Cup in New York State. It was okay. It was 1995. I believe the European side were victorious there. Um John, you’re going to be a part of that attempt again in New York State. What is that challenge? Try and explain to us. Having played so much golf in the United States, having been part of Ryder Cups, both home and away, what is that challenge going to look like in New York? It’s difficult to to explain. I think the the biggest challenge for most of us uh like Shane said that the that write a cup in in Whistling was a little different during co right so the environment might be the the biggest challenge but it can be used in your advantage. Uh and in my experience New Yorker fans can actually be quite fun. They’re very funny, very creative. So, if you uh if you approach it with the right mindset, I think uh it can be a really really fun week. Uh stressful, yes, but I think uh it could be very productive. So, I’m looking forward to to being with the rest of the group and and hopefully have a great go at it like last time. Uh John, just before we let you go, um when we were getting ready for this, I saw you come online. Like, is that a baby Yoda that’s behind your head there looking after your Memorial Tournament trophy? Yeah, it’s uh we have uh Bill Ba right there. Then we have a picture of of me and Sevy. I forget who did that for the Masters. A picture of me and Kelly and then Baby Yoda. A bit of a Star Wars fan here in the office. Uh and there is uh not quite six foot Darth Vader, but it may or may not be in the corner of this room. John, always good to see the other side. John Ramen, may the force be with you when you get to Beth Page, my friend. Luke, Luke. Well, if you got a Luke, you have got a Luke. So, there we have it. Great to hear from John, the second member that you’ve picked. H perhaps no surprises there. Let’s just remind ourselves of how that looks now, Shane with company in John as well. So, we have two of the six. Take us on to our third captain’s pick, Luke. Yes, my third pick. Um, someone who made his RDER Cup debut as part of our winning team in Rome two years ago. Uh, he was the first Austrian to win on the PGA Tour. um has won twice this year on PJ tour in 2025. My third pick is Seb Straer. Good vibes only for Sea back again. set. Many congratulations for making Luke’s side to face the United States. How do you expect this one’s going to feel the second time around for you in a Ryder Cup? Uh yeah, it’s incredible. Uh just uh watching those uh videos that you just showed. Uh just gets you really excited. Uh you think that making a Ryder Cup would just be checking off a list, but uh no, it just makes you want to want to be there so much more the next time around. And uh really thrilled to be be a part of this team. Uh we saw those moments obviously last time you and Shane, two strong men for a European side. Shane’s in that side again. We’ve already seen now as one of the captain’s picks. How special were those moments the first time in terms of inspiring what you’ve done this year? Uh yeah, incredible. Uh Shane, I could not have picked a better partner. uh felt like we we had an instant connection uh from the practice trip on and um yeah, he was he was incredible to kind of lead me around my first time and uh brought a lot of energy obviously. He was uh he was always fun to fun to kind of uh lean on in those uh high pressure moments and yeah, just just made it really fun and yeah, looking forward to some more good memories here in in New York. Uh look, Luke, you’re heading to the United States. Se’s done a lot of his heavy lifting in the United States. Two wins this season. How important was that in the selection? Very important. You know, you always want to see who uh who you’re up against, you know, and uh Sep obviously outside of Scotty Sheffller and Rory Maroy, nobody has won more times on the PJ tour. Um he’s been performing at a very very high level. I think five top 10s in elevated events this year. So, you know, his game speaks for itself. but uh you know a quiet reserve character but has so much fire in his belly and um really excited to have him back in the team room and great vibes from Rome. So many congratulations uh on being one of Luke Donald’s captain’s picks today. We look forward to seeing you at Beth Page. Thank you so much. Appreciate it. Okay, so let’s just remind ourselves once again Luca of who we have so far. Three picks in. You’ve gone well. You’ve gone strong. Uh Shane Lowry, John Rahm, Sept Straker. Take us on to the fourth. Okay, so for my fourth pick again, someone who is making his third consecutive appearance in Europe in a Ryder Cup. He was one half of a record-breaking Forsomes victory in Rome two years ago. He was the first Norwegian to win on the DP World Tour and the PGA Tour. My fourth pick is Victor Hovland. The megawatt smile of Victor Hen always in place. Victor, great to see a huge congratulations. What are the emotions that being picked for European side of Oak? It’s unbelievable. It’s uh feels awesome to be here with you guys and uh I can feel my uh palms are getting uh really sweaty and uh I’m super excited to get going and and seeing everyone. Um Shefflla and Keepka nine and seven. That was not something that we expected to see. The biggest ever victory for a European side um at the last Ryder Cup. Try and describe to what the emotions are. If you can try and put it in place for people who will never know what it’s like to represent Europe in a Ryder Cup. Try and express how that feels out there in that moment. It’s it it is harder to describe. It’s uh you know, golf is an individual sport and you get up every day and it’s just you on the golf course practicing and uh I do really miss the t team aspect of golf that we had uh for myself in college and uh when you get to represent 11 other guys, your captain, vice captains, and uh all the fans uh that are uh rooting for us, it definitely feels like you’re part of something a lot bigger than yourself. And I think uh deep inside that’s uh ultimately what we uh what we want to do. Luke, you could argue you have more than a handful of pillar players like the standout strong players. What is the value though of someone like Victor who is clearly one of those. What is the value of having someone like that in the side? I just look at his energy and and his smile. Victor is one of my favorite humans. I mean he just uh he really is a good guy. Um, but I I I’m always so impressed with how dedicated he is to his craft, you know, how much he puts into it, how much he wants to succeed. He was a lion for us uh in Rome and uh he will continue to be that in Beth Page. Some people would still question how human Victor is certainly when you watch him play the sport. Um how much would you have learned from 2021 Victor in terms of that was a tough experience but you have experienced it. How much can you carry that through with what you know now to being even better in 2025? Yeah, without speaking too much about the results from 21, it was very uh valuable for me, um just from one perspective of getting to be in a team room with literally legends of the game, guys that I’ve looked up looked up to my entire life and just to be in that team environment and play against a very demanding uh US crowd, especially when we didn’t have any European fans there. Um, I was uh I think I was a bit more timid there in in 21. In 23, kind of being on the other side of um uh of the pond and coming off my the best golf of my career, I was just way more ready for the experience. So, I’m hoping to channel uh that even though we won’t be at home this time around, I think uh I think we’re all going to be be ready when we uh stand on the first D. Good to hear. Another worldly athlete here, Victor Hovin, part of Europe’s team. Thanks so much for spending time with us. Congratulations, Victor. A reminder of how our four look so far. Shane, John, Seb, and now Victor. Two to go. Take us through it, Luke. Yes. So, now I would like to introduce another Scandinavian. Uh he’s the other half of that recordbreaking partnership in Rome. He was only three months into his professional career when I announced him as a pick on this show two years ago, but he has a Ryder Cup win and two PGA to titles since then. My fifth pick is Ludvig Obeg. We’ve got Victor. Now we’ve got Ludvig as well. Congratulations on making a second RDER Cup team. You know, funny enough, Luke just brought it up there, Ludvig. Three months. I mean, you you’d barely been a professional. And there you are, Dawn in the blue of Europe. How different of a player do you feel this time around heading to your next RDER Cup? Uh, well, first off, thanks guys. Um, I definitely feel more experienced this time. Um, last time it was like you guys mentioned, it was show so short into my professional career and um, I felt like I had an most amazing week in Rome and it was the first time that I sort of got to experience those things and be in the locker room with those guys with all the legends and uh, I was really proud to be a part of that team and um, I knew I wanted to to be there in the future as well. I remember even in those early stages before you selected him, you said to me, I think this guy’s a generational talent. Why did you think that at the time for the last Ryder Cup? Just what we’d seen um you know, you there’s the few players that I’ve played with throughout my career and you just see them for the first time and you just know that they have something special. Um you know, obviously I got a little bit of heat before um before Rome happened when I picked him. very new out of college, never played a major, almost won the last two masters, though I think he’s uh obviously um you know as as Citrid Citrid himself is one of the very best players in the world and uh you know winning on the PJ tour and you know the the the accolades just keep coming. He’s um just starting in his career and he’s already proved that they can that he can hang. All right, just before we go, Ludvig, excited to be reunited with Victor. Those magical memories the last time. Yeah, I heard you guys talk to Victor about the 9 and seven and that was that was one of the the highlights of my career so far. Um it it definitely brings me a little smile to my face and um I uh I just love thinking back to it and you know if if uh we we get to pair up again that would be amazing. Amazing. Congratulations again and we look forward to watching you also in New York State. Congratulations, Ludvy. Uh Luke, let’s just see the five you’ve got with one remaining. Uh it looks really good so far to add to the six automatic. Take us through our last and final captain’s pick. Luke, yes, my sixth pick. Um someone who is representing team Europe for the fourth time. He’s a major champion having won the 2022 US Open and he is actually celebrating his birthday today. And so we have two reasons to congratulate him. My sixth pick is Matt Fitzpatrick. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Oh, there he is. Matt Fitzpat here is in transit because of travel delays. You’re a Ryder Cup star and yet travel eludes no one in terms of the problems with it. Matt, many happy returns. How’s it feel in terms of a birthday present getting that call from Captain Luke Donald? Thanks, Nick. Yeah, it’s uh always exciting. Um it’s a nice uh birthday present and uh to spend the day talking to you guys. Um Luke, that this feels like it was a tough one because we know one of the hard bits of a captain’s job is obviously having to make some tough calls but making some happy ones too. Um how how did this go about the decision for you for picking Matt Fitzpatrick? You know, Matt Matt himself said he didn’t get off to the best start this year and um was struggling with his game a little bit, but he’s one that’s turned it around um impressively. I think um nobody has sort of statistically been as good as Matt has in the last three or four months. And uh I challenged Matt to go play the last two events in Europe and you know being being get to the last group on Sunday the last two weeks I think just showed us everything that Matt has playing tremendous golf right now um six top 10s I think in his last eight starts and you know really really impressive to see uh how much his game has come along trying to make this team. All right. Uh Matt, you know, there’s a thing that’s a very real thing for most golfers. It’s called Ryder Cup itis. And it means when you get down the home straight, they tend to play worse because it means so much. You did the opposite as Lee was just talking about there. What does that give you in terms of belief and confidence in yourself going to New York? Yeah, there’s a lot of uh belief after the last few weeks obviously. Um, like Luke said, I felt like I turned my game around from the start of the season and um, you know, to to finish this the sort of RDER Cup running with the the form that I’ve showed is obviously a real positive and uh, obviously it’d be lovely to to continue that into the Beth Page. Well, Matt, it went down to the wire, but here you are part of the six captain’s picks to join the 12 and represent Europe uh, in the Ryder Cup. Many congratulations. Thank you. Right, let’s just remind you as well. I think we’ve still got all six. Here they are. Let’s have a little look. Six captain’s picks. Oh, look. Look at those happy smiley faces, Luke. Um, you’ve certainly made their day and probably have earned a favor as well. Uh, ladies and gentlemen, these are your six captain’s picks. Uh, nice to hear and see what it means. But let’s also remind everybody now what the completed team looks like. You talked about the six you had. You’ve talked about now we’ve met the six that you’ve acquired to make all 12. When you see them stacked up like this and when everyone watching around the world gets to see your 12, what do you feel? What are the initial feelings? Well, I feel amazingly proud of these guys and how well they’ve played. Uh obviously a lot of continuity from Rome that’s unusual to have so many people coming back but uh just shows how good these players are. Um you know but you know even though we have a lot of continuity this is a different uh animal to play away in America. We understand how difficult that is and I’ve looked at it from very different angles to try and get us prepared for this amazing challenge ahead. There’s never been a greater carryover uh from a European side as we’ve seen this time. 11 of the 12 that teed it up in Rome are here in this team as well. Uh in fact, all of the names uh are the same. In fact, apart from the Hygards have switched out. It’s Rasmus this time around. Um for you, when you look at it, what is that challenge going to be like? Can you be ready to face what we’re going to face in terms of a different vibe of playing at home at Rome and playing away in New York? Yeah, as I said, it’s a different animal. It’s a different challenge and um you know obviously having the the chance to do it again doesn’t mean we’re going to do the same things we did in Rome. It’s uh about uh implementing new techniques. I’ve really tried to look hard exactly what this will require. I’m very aware that we have lost three of the last four way Ryder Cups by significant margins and um it’s a tough challenge. It’s tough uh environment but I’ve uh tried everything I can to give our team the best opportunity. All right, Luke. Well, we wish you well. Thank you so much. Uh for viewers on Sky Sports Golf and on the Golf Channel, we’ll be sticking around with Luke to look further into his 12. For those watching around the world, this is where we say goodbye. Six have become 12, and we’ll look forward to seeing you for the battle between the United States and Europe, and the six captain’s picks will be there.