Luke Donald announced Europe's squad for the Ryder Cup: only one change compared to Rome.

Captain's Nominations for Ryder Cup

According to The Sun: Luke Donald announced his squad for the Ryder Cup, making only one change to the team that triumphed in 2023.

The 47-year-old Donald remains captain after his team's impressive victory in Rome last year with a score of 16½-11½.

Six players automatically made it to the squad of 12 participants at Bethpage Black, which will take place from September 26 to 28, thanks to points earned throughout the season. They are: Rory McIlroy, Robert MacIntyre, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose, Rasmus Højgaard, and Tyrrell Hatton.

On Monday, Donald announced six more selections to complete the team. He chose: Shane Lowry, Jon Rahm, Sepp Straka, Viktor Hovland, Ludwig Åber, and Matt Fitzpatrick.

All six players he selected were part of the team that won two years ago. The only change was rookie Højgaard replacing his twin brother Nikolai.

This is the fewest changes for the European team in Ryder Cup history since the format change in 1979.

Donald said on Sky Sports: “There is a lot of continuity from Rome, which is somewhat unusual, but it shows how good they are.”

“But, while there is some continuity, it’s a totally different thing to play away in America. We know how hard that is.”

“I have looked at numerous options trying to prepare us for the challenge.”

“This involves introducing new techniques. I realize that we have lost three of the last four away Ryder Cups by significant margins.”

“I've done everything I can to give my team the best chance.”

The eleven best players in the European rankings secured places on the team – either through automatic qualification or selection by the captain. Rahm ended up in 24th place, as he plays most of his golf in LIV, but he brings valuable experience with three Ryder Cup appearances and two Major victories.

Matt Wallace was in tears on Sunday when it was revealed he did not make the team despite being 12th in the rankings.

Mark Pendrey (14th) and Harry Hall (17th) were also under consideration, but Donald stuck to his winning formula.

Donald added: “The last two weeks have been the toughest part of being captain.”

“There are players fighting for spots, and those who feel they have done enough but then get the call to inform them they are not on the team, and that’s tough.”

US captain Keegan Bradley declined to select himself as the first player-captain since Arnold Palmer in 1963, choosing four players ranked below him in the world rankings.

Europe has not won in America since the 'Miracle of Medina' in 2012 when they leveled the score 10-6 before the final matches and won 14½-13½. Their last trip to the US ended in a humiliating 19-9 defeat at Whistling Straits.

Europe hopes for its first victory on American soil since 2012.

Remember, the Ryder Cup is a prestigious international team golf tournament held every two years between teams from Europe and the USA. Only the best players have the honor of representing their teams, and the fight for the top spot promises to be fierce, especially considering the recent defeats of the Europeans away. Donald's team composition reflects a trust in established veterans and a strategic injection of new talents, which could be a key factor in the fight for victory.