The Ryder Cup returns to U.S. soil this September at Bethpage Black in New York, and the buzz is now focused on which 12 players will ultimately line up for each side. Both Keegan Bradley (USA) and Luke Donald (Europe) already have six automatic qualifiers locked in, leaving six discretionary captain’s picks apiece to round out their rosters. With form, partnerships, and experience all weighed against momentum and potential, the decisions promise plenty of intrigue with betting on the tournament bigger than ever.
Team USA: Bradley’s Balancing Act
Automatic Qualifiers
Scottie Scheffler, J.J. Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, Harris English, and Bryson DeChambeau.
Near-Certainties for Picks
Justin Thomas – A multiple Ryder Cup and major champion, Thomas has rediscovered form at just the right time and is regarded as virtually guaranteed.
Collin Morikawa – Steady and consistent, his iron play makes him a near-lock.
Patrick Cantlay – A proven Ryder Cup performer and natural partner for Schauffele, his inclusion is expected.
Sam Burns – A Presidents Cup stalwart and putter who could slot in if Bradley values chemistry. Rumoured to already be given a captains pick.
In Strong Contention
Cameron Young – A New Yorker with one PGA Tour win this year, his aggressive driving suits Bethpage
Keegan Bradley (playing captain?) – Ranked just outside the top 10 in points, Bradley could become the first playing captain since Arnold Palmer in 1963 if he backs himself.
Outside Chances
Maverick McNealy – Good summer form, but may be squeezed out unless Bradley favors youth.
Jordan Spieth – A Ryder Cup legend, but indifferent form has left him needing a captain’s faith rather than results.
Brooks Koepka – Always a big-stage name, though less active on the PGA Tour this year.
Chris Gotterup – A local New Jersey product with huge length; would be a surprise pick, but Bethpage could suit him.
Team Europe: Donald’s Deliberations
Automatic Qualifiers
Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Tommy Fleetwood, Robert MacIntyre, Tyrrell Hatton, and Rasmus Højgaard (who clinched the final spot in dramatic style this weekend at the British Masters).
Likely Captain’s Picks
Jon Rahm – Despite shifting to LIV, his major pedigree and Ryder Cup dominance make him a lock.
Viktor Hovland – Still a top-10 player and reliable pairing option.
Ludvig Åberg – A rising star, bringing youthful energy and elite ballstriking.
Matt Fitzpatrick – Ryder Cup experience plus a steady season suggests he’ll be chosen.
Shane Lowry – A Ryder Cup hero in 2023, but missed out on automatic qualification this time. Donald may lean on his experience and clutch putting.
Fringe Contenders
Marco Penge – Fresh off a breakout year on the DP World Tour, the Englishman is a dark horse. If Donald wants to reward form and gutsy play, Penge could be in the conversation.
Matt Wallace – Battle-tested, with flashes of brilliance on both sides of the Atlantic. A fiery competitor whose mentality could fit Bethpage’s intensity.
Guido Migliozzi – Brilliant when hot, though inconsistent. Could be a gamble pick.
Thomas Detry – Strong PGA Tour season, but faces fierce competition for limited places.
Summary: Donald’s likeliest six are Rahm, Hovland, Åberg, Fitzpatrick, Straka, and Lowry. Fringe names like Wallace and Penge add intrigue, while Detry and Migliozzi may need a bold captain’s call.
Final Outlook
USA Picks (Predicted): Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Patrick Cantlay, Ben Griffin, Cameron Young, and possibly Sam Burns — unless Bradley names himself.
Europe Picks (Predicted): Jon Rahm, Viktor Hovland, Ludvig Åberg, Matt Fitzpatrick, Sepp Straka, and Shane Lowry.
Current odds with Betway for the Ryder Cup
USA 8/11
EUROPE 11/8
TIE 12/1
