Europe fails to include Harry Hall and Nicolai Hojgaard in its Ryder Cup selections

The European Ryder Cup team for the 2025 showdown at Bethpage Black has been announced, with a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars set to defend the trophy.

Rory McIlroy, Bob MacIntyre, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose, Tyrrell Hatton, and Rasmus Hojgaard have secured their spots as automatic qualifiers, having demonstrated consistent performance throughout the season.

Joining them are Shane Lowry, Jon Rahm, Sepp Straka, Viktor Hovland, Ludvig Aberg, and Matt Fitzpatrick, who were named as captain's picks by Luke Donald.

Lowry, a three-time Ryder Cup participant, narrowly missed automatic qualification but has been rewarded for his experience and recent form. Rahm, who excelled on the LIV Golf circuit, finished atop the individual points list, and Hovland was brought back to the team due to his strong performance in the foursomes with Aberg in Rome.

Straka, despite failing to make the cut at three of the four majors this year, retains his spot on the team. Fitzpatrick, who has recovered from a shaky start to the season, has recorded six top-eight finishes from his last eight starts.

Notable absentees from the European team include Sergio Garcia, who took a break from golf, and several experienced players who were replaced by newer qualifiers.

Luke Donald, the European captain, expressed confidence in his team, stating that they have a lot of continuity but it will be a "different animal" to play away in America. He also expressed admiration for Rahm's understanding of the Ryder Cup's history and his dedication to the team.

Harry Hall, who was the fifth-best golfer from Europe over the last three months, missed the cut and was not asked to undergo a fitting for a Ryder Cup uniform, an act typically associated with those who are, at the very least, a chance of making the team.

The Ryder Cup will take place on September 26, with the European team aiming to defend their title at Bethpage Black. The team will be looking to continue their recent form and bring home the trophy once again.

Europe fails to include Harry Hall and Nicolai Hojgaard in its Ryder Cup selections