Team Europe may still have a full year before it attempts a historic three‑peat at the Ryder Cup, but captain Luke Donald has already gathered a large portion of his prospective squad for a pre‑emptive visit to Ireland’s immaculate Adade Manor estate. While the gathering wasn’t as exhaustive as the scouting excursions Donald organized ahead of previous triumphs at Marco Simone Golf Club and Bethpage Black, it offered a valuable first‑hand look at next year’s venue for a blend of seasoned veterans and potential newcomers.
Following the Amgen Irish Open, a contingent of sixteen players – including ten members of last year’s victorious team, two former Ryder Cup participants, and four likely debutants – joined Donald and his vice‑captains for a team dinner and a relaxed 18‑hole round on Monday. The group comprised a mixture of established Ryder Cup stalwarts and rising stars eager to taste the course that will host the 2025 showdown. Jon Rahm summed up the allure of the location, saying, “Whenever I’m invited to Adare Manor I jump at the chance.
It’s arguably one of the finest hotel‑golf experiences on the planet.” He added that the informal outing was a chance for the players to reconnect and remind themselves why they compete at the highest level. For those who have never set foot on the course, the trip served as a low‑pressure environment to shake off any first‑time nerves.
Only two members of the 2024 New York‑based squad – Rory McIlroy and Rasmus Højgaard – were absent from Donald’s party, which celebrated a 15‑13 win in the United States. Former vice‑captain and 2018 winner Alex Noren, along with 2023 team member Nicolai Højgaard, were present, as were promising newcomers Alex Fitzpatrick and Kristoffer Reitan, who have impressed on the PGA Tour. The Spanish duo of Eugenio Chacarra and Ángel Ayora also joined the roster, adding further international flavor.
Most of the group arrived directly from the Irish Open, while Shane Lowry made a later entrance after his record‑breaking 11‑stroke victory at Trump International Golf Links on home soil. Justin Rose reflected on the day in a Sky Sports podcast, describing it as “a lovely boys’ day out – we ate together, set intentions for the team, and talked about the road ahead.” He noted that the round itself was “very casual, very fun, and just a first look at the course. Having Adare Manor almost to ourselves is a pretty special experience.” For the rookies, the experience was a spark that intensified their desire to earn a permanent place on the European side. Rose explained that seeing the course through the captain’s eyes helps them feel already integrated into the team culture, even if the outing isn’t a game‑changing advantage.
“It’s not about gaining a tactical edge; it’s about setting the tone, building the culture, and getting everyone on the same page,” he said. The players tackled the course in foursomes under calm weather, with some experiencing the layout for the first time while others refreshed their memories of the venue, which previously hosted the JP McManus Pro‑Am. Rahm praised the conditions, noting that the fairways were firm and fast, yet not overly so because the organizers wanted to keep the course enjoyable for the public.
“The course was in perfect shape – immaculate, as the name suggests,” he observed. Unlike the previous two European Ryder Cups, which were held at venues that double as regular DP World Tour events (Le Golf National in 2018 and Marco Simone in 2023), Adare Manor presents a distinct challenge. The course will be set up specifically for the Ryder Cup, meaning the usual data from tour events is limited.
Noren commented on the difficulty of preparing the layout to suit Europe’s strengths, saying, “We have a lot of flexibility – we can grow the rough, adjust tee boxes, change bunker placement. It’s not a blank sheet of paper, but we have many tools at our disposal.” PGA Championship champion Aaron Rai was invited to the trip but had to decline due to a close friend’s wedding in Portugal. Tom McKibbin, who had recently played two rounds with Donald in Ireland, was also not part of the group.
Qualification for the 2025 Ryder Cup is already in progress. Points are being earned through the Race to Dubai standings for the remainder of the season, with FedExCup points joining the mix in January. Rose expressed optimism about fresh talent emerging in the European camp, noting that a blend of experience and new energy is essential.
“You want a seasoned core, but injecting new ideas, playing styles, and pairing options keeps the team dynamic,” he said. He highlighted the smooth transition from Whistling Straits (2021) to Rome (2023), which helped solidify a group of players who later performed at Bethpage.
The current crop of young Europeans – the Højgaard brothers, Ludvig Åberg, and Bob MacIntyre – are already becoming mainstays, and Europe can afford to usher in another generation. Looking ahead, Europe will retain eleven of the twelve players from its 2023 victory and four of the five vice‑captains for the 2025 event. The Molinari brothers, Edoardo and Francesco, have already secured a third consecutive stint in Donald’s backroom staff. Padraig Harrington has been added as a vice‑captain on home soil, and McIlroy expects much of Donald’s core group to reconvene in Ireland.
McIlroy emphasized the importance of continuity, stating, “If there’s any place to blend rookies, it’s Europe. Continuity between the captain, players, and vice‑captains creates a stable team environment. There will inevitably be new faces, but we won’t see wholesale changes.” He added that the nucleus of the team will remain largely intact, with only a few additions if everyone stays healthy and performs well.
The 2025 Ryder Cup is scheduled for September 17‑19 and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Donald will be aiming to become the first captain ever to guide his side to three consecutive victories, a feat that would cement his legacy in the competition’s storied history. Fans can also follow the ongoing DP World Tour BMW PGA Championship, which will run alongside the Ryder Cup preparations, with live coverage beginning each Thursday at 7:30 am on Sky Sports Golf. For those interested in streaming, the event is available on NOW without a contract, and Sky Sports offers various deals for the season.