Hanju Lee11 Down, 13 To Go
Six Americans have officially locked up their spots through the automatic qualification process that concluded after the BMW Championship:
- Scottie Scheffler
- J.J. Spaun
- Xander Schauffele
- Russell Henley
- Harris English
- Bryson DeChambeau.
Meanwhile, across the pond, five Europeans have mathematically secured their places:
- Rory McIlroy
- Justin Rose
- Tommy Fleetwood
- Robert MacIntyre
- Tyrrell Hatton.
The American Dream Team Takes Shape
The U.S. roster reads like a who’s who of modern golf royalty. Scheffler, the world No. 1, was first to qualify after his dominant 2025 campaign that included wins at The Open Championship, Memorial Tournament, and BMW Championship. Perhaps most intriguingly, DeChambeau becomes the lone LIV Golf representative to automatically qualify, relying solely on his major championship performances to accumulate points. His inclusion adds a fascinating subplot to what’s already a compelling narrative.
The American six features an interesting mix: two rookies in Spaun and Henley joining four veterans from the record-setting 2021 Ryder Cup victory at Whistling Straits. Spaun’s U.S. Open triumph at Oakmont served as his golden ticket, while Henley’s consistent play finally earned him his first Ryder Cup berth.
Europe’s Veteran Core Emerges
The European side tells a story of experience and clutch performances. McIlroy’s spot was secured early after ending his 10-year major drought with a Masters victory, completing his career grand slam. Rose dramatically sealed his seventh Ryder Cup appearance by defeating American qualifier J.J. Spaun in a thrilling three-hole playoff at the FedEx St. Jude Championship. Talk about poetic justice — beating a Team USA member to secure your own spot.
Fleetwood will make his fourth consecutive Ryder Cup appearance, bringing his impressive 67% Ryder Cup win rate to Bethpage. The trio of McIlroy, Rose, and Fleetwood forms a veteran backbone that Luke Donald can build around.
The Final European Battle Royale
Here’s where things get spicy. With European qualification ending after the Betfred British Masters on August 24, one automatic spot remains up for grabs between Shane Lowry, Sepp Straka, and Rasmus Højgaard. Each brings something different to the table — Lowry’s major championship pedigree, Straka’s steady consistency, and Højgaard’s emerging talent. The tension at the British Masters will be palpable.
Captain’s Pick Drama Awaits
U.S. Captain Keegan Bradley faces the most intriguing decision in Ryder Cup history: should he pick himself as a player and become the first playing captain since Arnold Palmer in 1963? Bradley currently sits outside the automatic qualification spots but has been adamant he won’t select himself unless he earns it through play. The pressure is mounting.
Meanwhile, European Captain Luke Donald will announce his six captain’s picks on September 1, with players like Jon Rahm, Viktor Hovland, and Matt Fitzpatrick likely in consideration despite being outside the automatic spots.