Team Europe may still have a full year before they attempt an unprecedented three‑peat at the Ryder Cup, but captain Luke Donald has already gathered a sizeable portion of his prospective squad at the immaculate Adade Manor estate in Ireland. While the gathering was not as exhaustive as the scouting trips Donald organized before his successful campaigns at Marco Simone Golf Club and Bethpage Black, it offered a valuable early exposure to the course that will host next year’s showdown.
The entourage comprised a blend of seasoned Ryder Cup veterans and a handful of promising newcomers, all converging on the venue immediately after the Amgen Irish Open. After a team dinner, the group set out for an 18‑hole round on Monday, allowing the players to get a feel for the layout and conditions they will face in September. In total, sixteen players joined Donald and his vice‑captains for the session.
The group included ten members of last year’s victorious side, two former Ryder Cup participants, and four potential debutants. "Whenever I'm invited to Adare Manor, I go with enthusiasm," said Jon Rahm, praising the resort as one of the finest hotel‑golf experiences worldwide.
"It was a lot of fun and a great way for us to reconnect and remember why we love what we do." For those who had never set foot on the course before, the trip served as a chance to dispel any first‑time nerves. Only Rory McIlroy and Rasmus Hojgaard were absent from Donald’s core group that celebrated a 15‑13 win in New York. Former vice‑captain and 2018 winner Alex Noren, along with Nicolai Hojgaard – a member of the 2023 squad – also attended.
Rising stars Alex Fitzpatrick and Kristoffer Reitan earned their places after impressive rookie seasons on the PGA Tour, while Spaniards Eugenio Chacarra and Ángel Ayora represented the newest wave of talent. Most of the contingent travelled straight from the Irish Open, though Shane Lowry arrived later after his record‑breaking 11‑stroke victory at Trump International Golf Links on home soil.
Justin Rose reflected on the atmosphere during a Sky Sports podcast: "It was a lovely boys' day out – we ate together, set intentions for what it means to be on the team, and discussed our plans moving forward." He added that the round itself was relaxed and enjoyable, offering a first glimpse of the course when it was essentially theirs alone. "For the rookies it lights a fire inside them, making them feel already part of the group and part of Luke's vision for how we operate." The players were split into foursomes and tackled the course in calm, fair‑weather conditions.
Some were experiencing Adare Manor for the first time, while others were reacquainting themselves with a venue that previously hosted the JP McManus Pro‑Am. Rahm noted the superb condition of the fairways: "With the great weather we've had in Ireland, the course was in the best shape I've ever seen – firm, but not overly fast.
It felt immaculate." Unlike the previous two European Ryder Cups, which were held at venues that also serve as regular DP World Tour stops (Le Golf National in 2018 and Marco Simone in 2023), Adare Manor presents a distinct challenge because it does not have an extensive tour history. This forces the organizers to devise a fresh setup strategy. "We have a lot of freedom – we can grow the rough, adjust tee boxes, shape the greens – but we also lack the massive data set that comes from years of tour events," explained Alex Noren. "It’s a tough job to craft a layout that plays to our strengths while still being fair." PGA Championship winner Aaron Rai was invited to join the session but had to decline due to a close friend’s wedding in Portugal.
Tom McKibbin, who had recently played two practice rounds with Donald in Ireland, was not part of the group. Qualification for the 2025 Ryder Cup is already underway. Points are currently being earned through the Race to Dubai standings, with FedExCup points to be added to the mix starting in January. Justin Rose hinted that Europe may see fresh faces in September: "Injecting new energy is always beneficial – whether it’s new ideas, playing styles, or pairing options.
There’s plenty of opportunity for guys to break through." He highlighted the seamless transition Europe enjoyed moving from Whistling Straits in 2021 to Rome in 2023, noting that it helped solidify players who later became key contributors at Bethpage. Rose also praised the emerging talent pool, mentioning the Højgaard brothers, Ludvig Åberg, and Bob MacIntyre as examples of youngsters who have already become integral to the team.
"Europe has built a strong pipeline, so we can comfortably bring in another generation of talent," he said. Looking ahead, Europe will retain the majority of its 2023 winning lineup and most of the vice‑captains for the 2025 contest. The Molinari brothers – Edoardo and Francesco – have already confirmed a third consecutive stint in Donald’s backroom staff. Padraig Harrington has been added as a vice‑captain on home soil, and Rory McIlroy expects that much of Donald’s core group will reconvene in Ireland next year.
McIlroy emphasized the importance of continuity: "The strength of the European Ryder Cup team lies in its continuity – between the captain, the players, and the vice‑captains. New faces will come in, but we won’t see wholesale changes.
The nucleus will stay the same, provided 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 in history to secure three consecutive Ryder Cup victories, a feat that would cement his legacy and further elevate Europe’s dominance in the competition.
Fans can also follow the ongoing DP World Tour BMW PGA Championship, with live coverage beginning Thursday at 7:30 am on Sky Sports Golf, and streaming options available through NOW. The excitement surrounding Europe’s early preparations at Adare Manor underscores the blend of tradition, emerging talent, and strategic planning that will shape the next chapter of Ryder Cup history.