Europe name most settled Ryder Cup team in history

Europe will have their most settled team in Ryder Cup history for this months contest with just one change to the side that beat the United States in 2023.

Rasmus Hojgaard is the only new player - and replaces his twin brother Nicolai - having qualified through the ranking system.

And when captain Luke Donald announced his six wildcard picks on Monday, he went with experience for the away match at Bethpage Black in New York, which takes place from 26-28 September.

Shane Lowry, Jon Rahm, Sepp Straka, Viktor Hovland, Ludvig Aberg and Matt Fitzpatrick, who all played in the 16½-11½ victory in Rome in 2023, were Donalds selections.

They join Rory McIlroy, Robert MacIntyre, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose, Rasmus Hojgaard and Tyrrell Hatton, who automatically qualified.

Since the Ryder Cup was changed to allow European players to compete in 1979, there has never been so few changes made to a team - on average, Europe make five in each two-year cycle.

"There is a lot of continuity from Rome, that is a bit unusual, but shows how good they are," said Donald on Sky Sports.

"But while there is continuity, this is a different animal to play away in America. We know how difficult it is. I have looked at lots of different angles to try to prepare us for the challenge ahead.

"It is about implementing new techniques. I am aware we have lost three of the past four away Ryder Cups by significant margins.

"I have tried everything I can to give my team the best opportunity."

More to follow.