The Ryder Cup always carries a unique drama, but nowhere is the tension sharper than in the captain’s wildcard picks.
For Team Europe, the blend of proven veterans and rising stars makes selection especially intriguing.
With qualification locked in for the top performers, attention turns to who can deliver under pressure, handle the intensity of match play, and thrive in the team environment.
Rory McIlroy, Robert Macintyre, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose and Tyrell Hatton are confirmed for Team Europe with one automatic place remaining.
If Rasmus Hojgaard can finish in the top 29 at the British Masters, he will take Shane Lowry’s automatic qualifying spot in sixth.
However, whoever falls to seventh in the standings will likely be Team Europe Captain Luke Donald’s first of six wildcard selections.
Golf365 has predicted six players who will battle it out for one of Luke Donald’s likely five remaining wildcard picks…
Team Europe’s predicted wildcard shortlist
1. Sepp Straka
- Nationality: Austrian
- OWGR ranking: 12
- Ryder Cup appearances: 1 (2023)
Straka has had a personal best season in 2025, where he’s climbed the rankings and picked up two event wins at The American Express and The Truist Championship.
He was a member of Team Europe’s winning 2023 side in Rome and will be desperate to back it up with a win away from home.
It’s been a tough postseason, but Straka has made the hard yards for a wildcard pick already.
2. Jon Rahm
- Nationality: Spanish
- OWGR ranking: 78
- Ryder Cup appearances: 3 (2018, 2021, 2023)
The Spaniard has been incredibly consistent on the LIV Golf Tour in 2025, and don’t let his ranking fool you, he’s been one of the best.
Claiming the $18 million LIV title was the product of consistent top performances that helped him pip Joaquinn Niemann, who won five events, for the second year running.
Donald will treasure his clutch performances and major-winning pedigree.
3. Ludvig Aberg
- Nationality: Swedish
- OWGR ranking: 14
- Ryder Cup appearances: 1 (2023)
While still incredibly young, there has been an expectation with Aberg that he would dominate the PGA Tour from the get-go.
It hasn’t been the year he would have wanted in 2025, but class is permanent and his dependable all-round game is what Europe need.
He was a surprise pick in Rome, but won’t be this year.
4. Viktor Hovland
- Nationality: Norwegian
- OWGR ranking: 15
- Ryder Cup appearances: 2 (2021, 2023)
The Norwegian also hasn’t had the year he would have dreamed of, but victory at the Valspar Championship proved he can still piece together strong golf.
Hovland’s approach game has drastically improved, with him second to only Scottie Scheffler in strokes gained, and he’s a more rounded player in 2025.
He’s a post-season genius, having dominated the FedEx Playoffs in 2023.
5. Matt Fitzpatrick
- Nationality: English
- OWGR ranking: 35
- Ryder Cup appearances: 3 (2016, 2021 and 2023)
Fitzpatrick’s a percentage golfer with a calculated game and golfing temperament that appeals to Donald’s plans.
In addition, the Major champion has appeared at three Ryder Cups and has experienced the USA cauldron before.
He narrowly missed the Tour Championship but is trying to prove his worth at the British Masters.
6. Harry Hall
- Nationality: English
- OWGR ranking: 54
- Ryder Cup appearances: 0
A wildcard of a wildcard pick is Harry Hall, with the 6’4 Englishman being one of the most quietly consistent on Tour.
He’s a PGA Tour winner and has had regular top 10s to make the FedEx Cup top 3,0 and is mixing it with the best at the Tour Championship.
Hall would undoubtedly be a gamble, but he doesn’t seem to be slowing down.
READ MORE: Ryder Cup 2025: Everything you need to know about Team USA as players confirmed
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Article Link: Ryder Cup Team Europe predictions 2025: Wildcard picks and late shocks