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:
Rose speaking to Sky Sports
“This has been a huge motivation for me. Number six makes it sound really smooth but missing out on the last one really hurt. My form wasn’t great but watching back those highlights makes you want to be back on that team.
“I’m coming at it with a slightly different angle this year [as the veteran] but delighted to be a part of the team and I appreciate Luke’s faith.
“I think winning as a team is the most fun thing you can experience. The Sunday nights when you have won the Ryder Cup are some of the most fun nights I’ve ever had in my life. I’m incredibly motivated.”
Luke Donald announces six captain’s picks
Up third for Donald...Justin Rose!
A great year for the Englishman who returned to the winners’ circle with victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am earlier in the year. A veteran of this format, Rose will make his sixth appearance in the Ryder Cup.
Luke Donald on Straka’s selection
“He was great in his commitment to play the Hero Cup earlier in the year. I saw how much he loved that team environment and really lapped it up. He’s been in great form of late, he’s had two strong years on the PGA Tour and I couldn’t leave him off.”
Straka speaking to Sky Sports
“It was a definite goal to make this team but it always seemed so distant, so far away. I just knew I had to play some good golf. I showed some good form this summer and I’m honoured and really happy to be here.”
Luke Donald announces six captain’s picks
Second up for Donald’s picks is Sepp Straka!
The big-hitting Austrian has won on the PGA Tour this year and performed impressively at The Open Championship in July. A Ryder Cup debut for the Austrian.
Luke Donald on Fleetwood’s pick
“He’s a ball-striking machine. We’ve just seen that with some of his results in the US Open and the Open Championship.
“He’s the only man in the history of golf to have consumed more than two 63s in the final round of the US Open. We know his pedigree of golf, and obviously, he’s a very versatile player.”
Tommy Fleetwood speaking to Sky Sports
“It’s a lifelong dream for any European or American to play the Ryder Cup and I’ve been lucky to play a couple but this one feels very special. I was one of the players stood on the last green in 2021 wanting the next opportunity to come as soon as possible where we could go and get this Ryder Cup back.
“For Luke to show his faith in me, I’m just really excited to get together with my team-mates now.”
Luke Donald announces six captain’s picks
Unlike the US team, who announced them all at once, Donald will announce his one by one.
The first captain’s pick is... Tommy Fleetwood.
This one was a no-brainer after a superb year on the PGA Tour. The Englishman makes his third Ryder Cup appearance.
Luke Donald on stage now
The European captain takes to the stage alongside Sky Sports’ Nick Dougherty.
“It’s been a fantastic 13 months, I’ve just tried to take it all in,” he says.
Europe announce team for 2023 Ryder Cup
Final few moments now before Donald’s press conference begins. There are a few guaranteed picks for the Englishman but those final one or two could go either way.
No doubt, someone has been told some bitterly disappointing news last night or this morning.
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