2026-08-27 09:04:16

Luke Donald expects Europe to have “new blood” at next year’s Ryder Cup.

The English golfer is bidding for a third consecutive win as captain at next year’s event and expects some changes to the team at Adare Manor in Ireland after the continuity that was key to the 2025 triumph at Bethpage Black.

Donald, who picked 11 of the 12 players from the 2023 win in New York, said: “I don’t think we had ever had so many pass from one Ryder Cup to the next, same DNA – it was almost the same team. It was almost like 11 and a half people that we had.

“I expect there to be some new blood this time, and that’s important. We were all rookies at some point as players and it’s important to get out there – it’s always easier a little bit for rookies to be at home. I expect the team to have a few new faces.”

The qualification campaign for next year’s Ryder Cup begins at this week’s British Masters and Donald is expecting a “very challenging” test on home soil against the Americans.

The former world number one said: “The home Ryder Cups feel more pressure. There’s an expectation that you’re meant to win and that brings its own pressure, then trying to win three in a row brings even more pressure.

“I think it’s going to be a very challenging Ryder Cup, I honestly do. The home gives us a little bit of an advantage but the Americans are always very strong. Winning consistently in any sport, in anything, is very difficult.”

Donald feels that the start of Ryder Cup qualification will act as a “reset” for some players bidding for a place in the European team.

He said: “I always feel like when the qualification starts, it’s sort of a reset for some of these players.

“Obviously this is my third crack [as captain], so I know a lot of the players. You are always going to have new talent coming up, and it’s important to be around them and show some interest and keep them up-to-date in terms of how I see them playing.

“If they are playing some really good golf, and they have a chance, then it helps to be around them rather than just sending a text message.”

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