Europe Confirm Most Unchanged Ryder Cup Team Ever

Europe Make Ryder Cup History with Least Changed Team for 2025

Team Europe have made Ryder Cup history by naming just one change from their victorious 2023 squad, ahead of the 2025 clash with the United States at Bethpage Black, New York.

Rasmus Hojgaard replaces his twin brother Nicolai Hojgaard, marking the only alteration to the side that secured a dominant 16½-11½ win in Rome. The rest of the squad remains unchanged — a first since Europe began competing in the modern format in 1979.

Continuity and Experience Over Rookies

Captain Luke Donald, who will lead Europe on American soil from 26-28 September, announced six wildcard picks:

Shane Lowry, Jon Rahm, Sepp Straka, Viktor Hovland, Ludvig Aberg, and Matt Fitzpatrick.

They join Rory McIlroy, Robert MacIntyre, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose, Tyrrell Hatton, and Rasmus Hojgaard, all of whom earned automatic qualification.

“There’s a lot of continuity from Rome. That’s unusual, but shows how good they are,” said Donald. “But this is a different animal – playing away in America. I’ve tried everything I can to prepare us for the challenge ahead.”

Europe typically makes five changes between editions, with the previous lowest being three (1985, 1987, and 2006) — all years Europe claimed victory.

Donald Chooses Proven Warriors

Donald’s selections highlight a strategic shift: prioritizing away-Ryder-Cup experience and chemistry over debut appearances.

Notably, both Straka and Aberg are yet to play an away Ryder Cup, but their impressive 2025 form and past performances earned Donald’s trust. Straka has two PGA Tour wins this year, and Aberg’s record 9&7 foursomes win with Hovland in 2023 against Scheffler and Koepka is still talked about.

Players like Matt Wallace, Marco Penge, and Harry Hall, despite impressive seasons, were overlooked — as Donald favored resilience, consistency, and team unity.

Europe’s 2025 Ryder Cup Team:

• Automatic Qualifiers: Rory McIlroy, Robert MacIntyre, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose, Tyrrell Hatton, Rasmus Hojgaard

• Captain’s Picks: Shane Lowry, Jon Rahm, Sepp Straka, Viktor Hovland, Ludvig Aberg, Matt Fitzpatrick

USA’s Team Also Locked In

Captain Keegan Bradley unveiled the US roster last week, choosing not to include himself. His six picks were:

Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Ben Griffin, Cameron Young, Patrick Cantlay, and Sam Burns.

They’ll join automatic qualifiers:

Scottie Scheffler, JJ Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, Harris English, and Bryson DeChambeau.

Can Europe Break the Away Curse?

Europe hasn’t won on American soil since the famous “Miracle of Medinah” in 2012. The US, meanwhile, are unbeaten at home since 1993.

With Bethpage Black known for its long layout and intense crowds, Donald’s decision to double down on experience — and forego any Ryder Cup rookies — may prove critical.

“McIlroy called winning away one of golf’s biggest achievements,” Donald said. “We know how tough it is. But we’re ready.”