Can Europe’s Ryder Cup team take down USA in Rome?

Europe captain Luke Donald named his six captain picks yesterday afternoon ahead of the 44th Ryder Cup, which is set to take place in Italy at the end of this month.

Europe fans will be encouraged by the fantastic home form that has been shown, which has meant USA have been unable to win away from home for 30 years, but the concerning demolition at Whistling Straits two years ago will create an edgy feeling.

Luke Donald’s Europe team is looking like this as they aim to take back the Ryder Cup:

Qualified:

- Rory McIlroy (NIR)

- Jon Rahm (ESP)

- Viktor Hovland (NOR)

- Tyrell Hatton (ENG)

- Matt Fitzpatrick (ENG)

- Robert MacIntyre (SCO)

Captain’s Picks:

- Tommy Fleetwood (ENG)

- Sepp Straka (AUT)

- Shane Lowry (IRL)

- Justin Rose (ENG)

- Nicolai Højgaard (DEN)

- Ludvig Åberg (SWE)

While Europe have three of the best four golfers in the world currently in the team, inexperience is undoubtable lower down the list. Luke Donald has unquestionably prioritised youth, and in particular with Åberg, who has been tipped as a generational talent.

Åberg only turned pro in June but won in fantastic fashion in Switzerland on Sunday with four consecutive birdies from 14th-17th to beat Matt Fitzpatrick for a win on just his sixth DP World Tour appearance, which inevitably saw Adrian Meronk, who was having a fine season, snubbed for the final spot or two.

To pick the likes of Fleetwood, Lowry and Rose were largely unsurprising simply due to their previous contributions in the Ryder Cup. While Fleetwood will not be able to rekindle his romance with Francesco Molinari, his fine form this season made him the easy first choice. Lowry was evidently bitterly disappointed after 2021, so will be seeking revenge, while Rose has been in contention a number of times this season.

Europe have been typically underdogs when it comes to both teams on paper, but the European players appear to generally be in better form than the USA team at this moment in time.

This is Zach Johnson’s Ryder Cup team as USA look to conquer in Europe:

Qualified:

- Scottie Scheffler

- Max Homa

- Brian Harman

- Patrick Cantlay

- Wyndham Clark

- Rickie Fowler

Captain’s Picks:

- Brooks Koepka

- Jordan Spieth

- Collin Morikawa

- Rickie Fowler

- Justin Thomas

- Sam Burns

While having 2023 major pedigree with Brooks Koepka, Wyndham Clark and Brian Harman, the late-season form of Rickie Fowler, Sam Burns and particularly Justin Thomas, who scored two 80’s in major tournaments this season surely is advantageous for Europe.

Captain Zach Johnson was adamant on choosing Justin Thomas, but it feels as if the slump Thomas is in currently is far to deep to recover in time for the Ryder Cup, where confidence is rewarded heavily. The likes of Keegan Bradley and particularly Lucas Glover, who showed remarkable consistency in the back end of the PGA Tour season will feel robbed of a spot.

Scottie Scheffler’s putting woes may return in Rome, which would also benefit Europe. The patriotism of the likes of Max Homa, Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler will prove vital in their chances.

The anticipation and excitement is undoubtedly rising, and that magic one-off feeling of a Ryder Cup which comes every two years is around the corner, and while the bookies will favour USA, the feeling in the European camp is one of optimism.