Ryder Cup 2023 LIVE: Ludvig Aberg announced as one of six wildcard picks for Team Europe
Luke Donald has announced the final six members of Europe’s Ryder Cup team to take on the US in Rome later this month
With the Ryder Cup fast approaching later this month, Luke Donald has today announced his captain’s picks and the final six members of the European team that will take on Team USA in Rome. The US thrashed Europe when they last met at Whistling Straits in 2021, but the Americans have not won away from home since 1993 and a much-improved European team will hope to maintain that record.
Donald has chosen Tommy Fleetwood, Shane Lowry and Justin Rose alongside rookies Sepp Straka, Ludvig Aberg and Nicolai Hojgaard, with Adrian Meronk just misssing out. They join the six automatically qualified players: Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Viktor Hovland, Tyrell Hatton, Matt Fitzpatrick and Robert MacIntyre.
Team USA was confirmed last week with Brooks Koepka, Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler, Collin Morikawa, Justin Thomas and Sam Burns selected as captain’s picks to join automatic qualifiers Scottie Scheffler, Wyndham Clark, Brian Harman, Patrick Cantlay, Max Homa and Xander Schauffele
Follow the latest updates from the Ryder Cup announcement below:
Donald on Aberg’s pick
“We knew what he was doing in the college scene, what he did was only comparable with what Viktor Hovland and Jon Rahm did - he was that good. I played with him in Detroit and was blown away by his game.
“He finished fifth in the Czech and four birdies in the last five holes yesterday was like a walk in the park for him yesterday.”
Aberg speaking to Sky Sports
“If you told me I’d be involved in these conversations I probably wouldn’t have believed you.”
Luke Donald announces six captain’s picks
The final pick now for Team Europe...it’s Ludvig Aberg.
The Swedish sensation - fresh off his win at the European Masters yesterday - gets the nod over Adrian Meronk and will make his Ryder Cup debut having only turned professional in June! Remarkable.
Donald on Hojgaard’s pick
“He’s a young superstar; the world is his oyster. Part of the reason for having six picks was I wanted some in-form players. What he did the last two weeks was very very special.”
Hojgaard speaking to Sky Sports
“It’s hard to put into words. When Luke called me yesterday I had been frustrated with my finish and that call made my night. It’s been a goal of mine, to be on a team with guys I’ve watched my whole life.
“I almost get nervous now thinking about it! It’s a challenge I’m looking forward to. I can’t thank Luke enough and the team for putting trust in me.”
Luke Donald announces six captain’s picks
With his penultimate pick...Nicolai Hojgaard is selected!
The Young Dane has had a superb run of late in the last fortnight and is set to make his Ryder Cup debut at Marco Simone.
Donald on Lowry’s pick
“He’s a man for the big occasion and a great man in the team room,” Donald says of Lowry’s selection.
Lowry speaking to Sky Sports
“I’m incredibly proud and grateful, I’m very excited for Rome. The last one hurt a bit, I’m excited for a home Ryder Cup and I’m grateful Luke has given me the opportunity to go and show what I can do again.
“A lot of my big goals this year were getting to Rome and trying to win that Ryder Cup back. Everything we do over the next few weeks will be put towards that and hopefully, we can win that cup back.”
Luke Donald announces six captain’s picks
Fourth up for Donald, “a man for the big occasion,” according to Luke.
Step forward...Shane Lowry.
A quieter year for the Irishman but a win at the BMW Championship last year as well as a sturdy major season sees him on board the team for the second successive time.
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