Team Europe may still have a full year before it attempts to secure a historic third consecutive Ryder Cup, but captain Luke Donald has already gathered a large portion of his potential squad at the stunning Adade Manor estate in Ireland. While the gathering was not as exhaustive as the scouting trips Donald organized before the 2018 victory at Marco Simone Golf Club or the 2021 win at Bethpage Black, it still offered many of the players a first‑hand experience of the course that will host next year’s competition.
The group was a blend of seasoned Ryder Cup veterans and players who could soon make their debut. After the Amgen Irish Open, the contingent enjoyed a team dinner and then played a round of 18 holes on Monday. In total, sixteen golfers joined Donald and his vice‑captains for the session before they headed to the DP World Tour’s BMW PGA Championship. The roster featured ten members from last year’s winning side, two additional players with previous Ryder Cup experience, and four hopeful first‑timers.
"Whenever I'm invited to Adare Manor, I go without hesitation," said Jon Rahm, praising the venue as one of the finest hotel‑golf experiences worldwide. "It was a lot of fun and a great way for us to get together, to remember why we love this game. For those who have never set foot there, it helps to shake off the nerves and get a feel for the environment." Only Rory McIlroy and Rasmus Hojgaard were absent from Donald’s core dozen that celebrated a 15‑13 triumph in New York.
Former vice‑captain and 2018 winner Alex Noren, along with Nicolai Hojgaard—both part of the 2023 squad—also made the trip. Rising stars Alex Fitzpatrick and Kristoffer Reitan earned their spots after impressive rookie seasons on the PGA Tour, while Spanish newcomers Eugenio Chacarra and Ángel Ayora rounded out the fresh faces. Most of the players traveled straight from the Irish Open, with Shane Lowry joining later after his record‑breaking 11‑stroke victory at Trump International Golf Links in his native Ireland. Justin Rose reflected on the outing during a Sky Sports podcast: "It was a lovely boys' day out – we had a nice dinner, talked about what it means to be part of this team and set some intentions for the future." The round itself was described as relaxed and enjoyable, offering a first glimpse of the course that will be largely to the team’s exclusive use.
"Having Adare Manor almost to ourselves is a special experience," Rose added. "For the rookies it ignites a fire – they feel they’re already part of the group, understanding Luke’s approach and the captain’s philosophy.
It’s not about gaining a tactical edge; it’s about building culture and cohesion." Players were paired in foursomes and faced calm weather conditions. Some were playing the layout for the first time, while others refreshed their memory of a venue that previously hosted the JP McManus Pro‑Am. Rahm commented on the course’s condition: "The weather has been great, and the course is in the best shape I’ve ever seen.
It was firm, but not overly fast – they want it to be enjoyable for the public as well. Absolutely immaculate." Unlike the previous two European Ryder Cups, which were held on courses that double as regular DP World Tour stops (Le Golf National in 2018 and Marco Simone in 2023), Adare Manor presents a different challenge. Noren explained the strategic implications: "We have far less data from tour events, so setting up the course to suit us is a complex task.
The organisers can shape the rough, adjust tee boxes and even alter the layout, giving us a lot of flexibility, but it also means we need to be adaptable." PGA Championship winner Aaron Rai was invited to the gathering but had to decline due to a close friend’s wedding in Portugal. Tom McKibbin, who had previously played two rounds with Donald in Ireland, was not part of the group.
Ryder Cup qualification is already underway. For the remainder of the season, points are awarded solely through the Race to Dubai standings, with FedExCup points joining the mix in January.
Rose expressed optimism about fresh talent emerging in the squad: "Injecting new energy is always beneficial. You want experience, but you also want new ideas, different playing styles, and fresh pairing options.
There’s a wealth of young talent – the Højgaard brothers, Ludvig Åberg, Bob MacIntyre – who are becoming core members of the team. Europe has managed a smooth transition over the years, and we can afford another wave of youngsters." Looking ahead, Europe will retain eleven of the twelve players from the 2023 victory and four of the five vice‑captains for the 2025 New York event. The Molinari brothers, Edoardo and Francesco, have already secured a third consecutive role in Donald’s backroom staff.
Padraig Harrington joins the vice‑captaincy on home soil, and McIlroy anticipates that most of Donald’s final two squads will reconvene in Ireland. "If there’s a place to blend rookies, it’s Europe," McIlroy told Sky Sports. "Continuity is key – between the captain, the players and the vice‑captains. We’ll inevitably see a few new faces, but we’re unlikely to undergo wholesale changes.
The core of the team will stay the same, as long as everyone stays healthy and performs well." The 2026 Ryder Cup is scheduled for September 17‑19 and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Donald aims to become the first captain ever to guide his side to three straight victories. The upcoming weeks will see the BMW PGA Championship unfold, with live coverage starting Thursday at 7:30 a.m.
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