Even though the next Ryder Cup may still be a year away, captain Luke Donald has already gathered a large portion of his prospective squad for an early reconnaissance visit to Ireland’s pristine Adare Manor. The outing was not as exhaustive as the scouting trips Donald organized before previous triumphs at Marco Simone Golf Club and Bethpage Black, but it gave a cross‑section of seasoned veterans and emerging talent a chance to experience the course that will host the 2025 showdown. Following the Amgen Irish Open, a contingent of sixteen players converged on the luxury resort 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 hopeful debutants. Among those present were Luke Donald’s vice‑captains and a mix of established campaigners and rookies who have impressed on the PGA and DP World Tours. Jon Rahm summed up his enthusiasm for the venue, saying, “Whenever I’m invited to Adore Manor I’ll go without hesitation – it’s one of the finest hotel‑golf experiences on the planet.” He added that the informal gathering was a welcome reminder of why they all compete at the highest level.
For players unfamiliar with the course, the trip helped to dispel any first‑time nerves and gave them a tangible feel for the terrain they may soon defend. Only two members of the 2023 winning team – Rory McIlroy and Rasmus Hojgaard – were absent from Donald’s travelling party. Former vice‑captain Alex Noren, who lifted the trophy in 2018, and Nicolai Hojgaard, also a 2023 team member, did make the journey.
The rookie cohort featured Alex Fitzpatrick and Kristoffer Reitan, both of whom enjoyed strong inaugural seasons on the PGA Tour, alongside Spaniards Eugenio Chacarra and Ángel Ayora, the latest additions to the European ranks. Most of the squad arrived directly from the Irish Open, while Shane Lowry joined later after his record‑breaking eleven‑stroke victory at Trump International Golf Links in his native Dublin. Justin Rose reflected on the day’s camaraderie during a Sky Sports podcast, describing it as “a lovely boys’ day out” that included a dinner, some goal‑setting talk about what it means to wear the European colors, and an informal look at the course.
“The round was relaxed and enjoyable – a first glimpse of Adare Manor almost to ourselves – which is a special feeling,” Rose continued. He noted that for the newcomers, the experience “lights a fire” and helps them feel integrated into the team’s culture, even if the trip does not instantly translate into a competitive edge.
“It’s more about setting the tone, the culture, and the way the captain runs things,” he said. The players were split into foursomes for the round, encountering calm weather and immaculate conditions. Some were navigating the layout for the first time, while others were reacquainting themselves with a course that previously hosted the JP McManus Pro‑Am.
Rahm praised the playing surface, calling it “as good as I’ve ever seen – firm, but not overly fast, perfect for both the public and the players.” Historically, the last two European Ryder Cups have taken place on venues that double as regular DP World Tour stops – Le Golf National in 2018 (also the Open de France) and Marco Simone GC in 2023 (the Open d’Italia). This time, Donald faces a distinct challenge in Ireland, where the course set‑up will rely less on a wealth of tour data and more on the expertise of the host club. Noren explained that the organizers have considerable freedom: “They can grow the rough, adjust tee boxes, shape the fairways – it’s not a blank sheet, but there’s a lot of room to tailor the test to our advantage.” PGA Championship champion Aaron Rai had been invited but could not attend due to a close friend’s wedding in Portugal, and Tom McKibbin, who recently played two rounds with Donald in Ireland, was not part of the group. Qualification for the 2025 Ryder Cup is already underway.
Points continue to be awarded through the Race to Dubai rankings for the remainder of the season, with FedExCup points joining the mix in January. Rose hinted at possible roster changes, saying, “A little freshening up is healthy. You want experience, but new energy, ideas, playing styles, and pairing options are always valuable.” He highlighted the seamless transition from Whistling Straits (2021) to Rome (2023) and the emergence of young stars such as the Højgaard brothers, Ludvig Åberg, and Bob MacIntyre, who are now becoming integral to the European side. Looking ahead, Europe will retain eleven of the twelve players from the 2023 victory and four of the five vice‑captains for the 2025 event.
The Molinari twins, 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. "If there’s a place to blend rookies, it’s Europe," McIlroy told Sky Sports. "Continuity is key – the captain, the players, the vice‑captains.
There may be a few new faces, but the nucleus stays 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 to secure three consecutive Ryder Cups, a historic feat that adds extra intrigue to the upcoming campaign.
As the European contingent continues to fine‑tune its line‑up and soak up the atmosphere at Adore Manor, the foundations are being laid for what could be another memorable chapter in Ryder Cup history.