Luke Donald turns to Jon Rahm and Shane Lowry as Ryder Cup captain's picks revealed

Lowry made his Ryder Cup debut in the 2021 defeat at Whistling Straits before playing a key role in Europe’s victory in Rome two years later.

The Irishman only narrowly missed out on automatic qualification after finishing seventh in the standings.  

Rahm, meanwhile, returns for a fourth consecutive Ryder Cup appearance, the two-time major champion now relying on captain's picks to make the team after joining the LIV Golf League, where he enjoyed another stellar season.

"It's a different feeling. I did not think I would be as emotional as I am now that I would be picked. It will be special, I can't wait to be in Bethpage, New Yorkers are going to be great fans. I hope we have a better showing than we did last time in the US," Rahm said.

Meanwhile, Donald said Lowry brings a lot more to the team than just his golf game.

"We see what Shane brings to a Ryder Cup, his infectious energy to the team. He understands the team more than most of the guys, it's great to have his energy and vibe, but one hell of a player as well."

Lowry said. "I honestly feel I get up every morning and one of my goals is working towards whatever Ryder Cup is next. It's been at the forefront of my mind for a long time now."

The other four players who made the cut are Austria's Sepp Straka and Sweden's Ludvig Aberg, both returning for their second successive Ryder Cup; Norwegian Viktor Hovland, a former FedEx Cup champion; and former US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick, who has experienced a resurgence in form of late with six top-eight finishes in his last eight starts.

"It's a nice birthday present," said the Englishman, who turned 31 on Monday.

On selecting Fitzpatrick, Donald said: "Matt himself said he didn't get off to the best start this year, was struggling with his game, but he's turned it around professionally. I challenged him to go and play the last two events in Europe and getting to the last group on Sunday the last two weeks shows what Matthew has. Really impressive to see how much his game has come along trying to make this team."

Hovland said he was delighted to be back for the team event, which brings something special that individual sport can't provide.

"It's unbelievable, it's awesome to be here. My palms are getting really sweaty. I'm super excited to get going.

"Golf is an individual sport, it's just you on the course practicing, and I do miss the team aspect of golf we had in college. When you get to represent 11 other guys, your captains, your vice-captains, it feels you're part of something a lot bigger than yourself."

The 2025 Ryder Cup will take place from September 26 to 28 at the Bethpage Black Course in Farmingdale, New York, where Europe will be looking to defend the trophy after their 2023 triumph in Rome.