Shane Lowry has described being selected as Luke Donald’s first wildcard pick for Team Europe’s Ryder Cup team as “unbelievable”.
The Offaly man, who narrowly missed out on automatic qualification, was the first name called out by Donald ahead of the showdown at Bethpage, New York, later this month.
It marks a third consecutive Ryder Cup appearance for the 2019 Open winner.
Rasmus Hojgaard’s 13th-place finish at the recent British Masters meant he leapfrogged Lowry for the final automatic qualifier spot.
Following Lowry’s inclusion, Donald named Sepp Straka, Jon Rahm, Viktor Hovland, Ludvig Aberg and Matt Fitzpatrick as his half a dozen wildcards.
The captain’s picks join automatic qualifiers Rory McIlroy, Bob MacIntyre, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose, Tyrrell Hatton and the aforementioned Hojgaard.
Ready to go 👊#TeamEurope is set. The countdown to Bethpage begins. pic.twitter.com/90LVzQ0uhF
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 1, 2025
It means 11 of the victorious side in Rome will reassemble in New York with Rasmus Hoijgaard replacing his twin Nicolai as the only change.
“Honestly, it’s unbelievable,” the 38-year-old said. “It’s been a stressful few weeks, stressful year, trying to make the team, and obviously I’m very grateful that Luke and the team have put their faith to me again this time.
“Hopefully I can repay them by producing the goods in Bethpage in a few weeks’ time.”
Donald outlined his rationale for selecting the Irishman.
“Well, he obviously was very close to making it automatically losing by four points,” he said. “But you know, I think we see in that highlight reel what Shane brings to a Ryder Cup.
“His infectious energy amongst the team. He understands team above everything else, more than most of the guys, and it’s just really great to have his energy and his vibe in the team room. But one hell of a player as well.”
Rahm’s position on the LIV Golf tour meant he did not accrue enough points, finishing 24th, while Matt Wallace, who finished 12th in the European team rankings, misses out again.
Rahm’s stature as a big occasion player – he had two top-10s in this year’s majors and only Hatton and Hovland scored more points than him in Rome – proved costly for the English golfer.
Rahm brings a strong Ryder Cup pedigree to Team Europe
Hatton is also a LIV golfer but in the last year has won the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and Dubai Desert Classic, finished runner up at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and a tied for fourth at the US Open.
Being available for Ryder Cup selection was a major factor in the pair’s appeal against heavy fines imposed by the DP World Tour for playing on the LIV circuit without obtaining an official release as tour members.
That hearing has conveniently been pushed back until after the Ryder Cup, which spared Donald any difficult decisions.
“Jon really sets the standard for us. He is usually the first person up and the last person in the team room,” said Donald.
“It’s amazing, he understands the history of the Ryder Cup. He takes that history to heart and plays like that.”
Rahm’s place was not really in doubt but the Spaniard said: “It’s a different feeling. I didn’t think I’d be as emotional as I am right now. It’s going to be special.”