Donald Sticks With Proven Formula for Europe’s Ryder Cup Defence

Luke Donald has doubled down on continuity as he prepares to lead Europe into this month’s Ryder Cup at Bethpage, becoming the first man since Bernard Gallacher in 1995 to take charge for a second consecutive contest, Sport360NG reports.

The Englishman has kept faith with almost the entire side that triumphed in Rome two years ago, selecting 11 of the 12 who earned a resounding 16½-11½ win at Marco Simone. The only alteration is the inclusion of Rasmus Hojgaard, who qualified automatically and takes the place of his twin brother Nicolai. It marks the smallest change in personnel between European teams in Ryder Cup history.

Donald’s six wildcard picks, Shane Lowry, Sepp Straka, Jon Rahm, Ludvig Åberg, Viktor Hovland and Matt Fitzpatrick, are all proven performers from that 2023 victory. While emerging talents such as Marco Penge, Harry Hall and Matt Wallace were under consideration, Donald has opted for experience over fresh faces.

“It’s remarkable really, only one brother for another,” Donald told BBC Sport. “Usually someone drops out through form, but this group has consistently played at a very high level. They’ve earned their places.”

Targeting First Away Win Since Medinah

Europe’s captain is determined to use that stability to chase a first away success since the “Miracle at Medinah” in 2012. He knows, however, that Bethpage will present a very different challenge to the supportive atmosphere his team enjoyed in Rome.

“Rome gave us incredible memories, but this is going to be a new test entirely,” Donald said. “We’re walking into a bear pit in New York, and we’ll need a fresh approach to meet that.”

Since being reappointed 20 months ago, Donald has studied Europe’s struggles on American soil and adapted his leadership style accordingly. “It’s about communication, understanding the environment and preparing the right way. My role is to create lasting memories with the players, what we did in Rome, I want us to replicate and even improve in New York.”

Bradley’s Call, Europe’s Response

Donald declined to weigh in on whether U.S. captain Keegan Bradley should have picked himself as a playing captain, though he acknowledged the American would have been a major asset.

“That was never in my control,” Donald said. “Keegan is a close friend, a great player, and I know he’ll bring a lot of passion. He’s chosen to step aside as a player, and clearly he believes he has enough talent in his squad.”

Countdown to Bethpage

The build-up continues over the next month, with Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry and Tyrrell Hatton featuring at the Irish Open before the European squad comes together at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. Meanwhile, many of Bradley’s players will be in action at the PGA Tour’s Procore Championship in California.

Neither side is eager to embrace the “favourites” tag, but Donald is clear about Europe’s role. “On paper, the U.S. are very strong and with home advantage they’ll be tough to beat. We’re the underdogs, but we’ve got the experience to turn the tables.”