Team Europe may still have a full year before it attempts an unprecedented three‑peat at the Ryder Cup, but captain Luke Donald has already begun to assemble much of his prospective squad at the luxurious Adade Manor estate in Ireland. While the gathering didn’t rise to the level of a full‑blown scouting expedition like the ones Donald organized ahead of his successful campaigns at Marco Simone Golf Club and Bethpage Black, it offered a valuable first taste of next year’s venue for a blend of seasoned veterans and potential newcomers. Following the Amgen Irish Open, a contingent of sixteen players converged on the manor for a team dinner and an 18‑hole round on Monday. The group comprised ten members of last year’s victorious side, two former Ryder Cup participants, and four players who could be making their debut in 2025.
Among them were familiar faces such as Jon Rahm, who enthusiastically declared, “Whenever I’m invited to Adare Manor, I go without hesitation. It’s one of the finest hotel‑course experiences in the world.” Rahm added that the outing was “a lot of fun” and an excellent opportunity for the group to reconnect and remember why they compete at the highest level. For those who had never set foot on the course before, the trip served as a chance to shake off any first‑time nerves and get a feel for the layout. Only two of the players from the 2023 15‑13 win in New York were absent: Rory McIlroy and Rasmus Højgaard.
The rest of the roster featured Alex Noren – a 2018 winner and last year’s vice‑captain – and Nicolai Højgaard, who was part of the 2023 team. Rising stars Alex Fitzpatrick and Kristoffer Reitan earned spots after impressive rookie seasons on the PGA Tour, while Spanish newcomers Eugenio Chacarra and Ángel Ayora also joined the group. Most arrived directly from the Irish Open, with Shane Lowry making a later appearance after his record‑breaking 11‑stroke victory at Trump International Golf Links in his native country.
Justin Rose, speaking on a Sky Sports podcast, described the day as “a lovely boys’ day out,” highlighting the dinner, the casual atmosphere, and the early discussions about what it means to represent Europe and the plans moving forward. He noted that the round itself was “very relaxed, very fun and just a first look at the course,” adding that having the manor practically to themselves was a “pretty special experience.” The rookies, Rose explained, felt the visit “light the fire even more” in them, giving them a sense of belonging within Luke Donald’s vision and the team’s culture. He cautioned that the trip was not a game‑changing advantage, but rather an essential step in establishing the right mindset and camaraderie among the players. The round was played in foursomes under calm conditions, with some participants navigating the course for the first time while others refreshed their memories of a venue that previously hosted the JP McManus Pro‑Am.
Rahm praised the course’s condition, saying the weather had left it “in as good a shape as I’ve ever seen it – firm, but not overly fast, and absolutely immaculate.” He noted that the organizers likely kept the pace reasonable to ensure the public could still enjoy the week. Unlike the previous two European Ryder Cups, which were held on courses that also serve as regular DP World Tour stops (Le Golf National in 2018 and Marco Simone in 2023), Adare Manor presents a different challenge. Alex Noren explained that setting up a venue with limited tour data is a “very difficult task” and that the course designers have a lot of flexibility – they can grow the rough, adjust tee boxes, and shape the layout to suit strategic aims.
This freedom, however, also means the team must adapt quickly to whatever configuration the hosts choose. PGA Championship champion Aaron Rai was invited to the event but could not attend due to a close friend’s wedding in Portugal. Tom McKibbin, who had played two practice rounds with Donald in Ireland the previous week, was also not part of the group.
Ryder Cup qualification is already underway. Points are currently being earned through the Race to Dubai standings, with FedExCup points set to join the mix in January. Rose suggested that a little freshening‑up of the team could be beneficial, stating, “You want your squad to be experienced, but injecting new energy is always great – new ideas, different playing styles, fresh pairing options.” He pointed to the smooth transition from Whistling Straits in 2021 to Rome in 2023 as evidence that Europe can successfully integrate new talent. Europe’s pool of young talent is deep.
The Højgaard brothers, Ludvig Åberg, and Bob MacIntyre are now considered core members of the team, and the continent has a “great transition” that can accommodate another wave of youngsters. Looking ahead to 2025, Europe will likely retain eleven of the twelve players from the 2023 victory, along with four of the five vice‑captains. 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 McIlroy expects that much of Donald’s core group will reconvene in Ireland for the next showdown.
McIlroy emphasized the importance of continuity, saying, “If there’s ever a place to blend rookies, it’s Europe. The continuity between the captain, the players, and the vice‑captains is a huge factor in a team environment. We may see a few new faces, but the nucleus of the team will remain the same as long as 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 chasing history, aiming to become the first captain to win three consecutive Ryder Cups.
The stakes are high, the venue is immaculate, and the early team gathering at Adare Manor has set the tone for what could be a memorable campaign for Team Europe.