SNUBBED: Fans React to Luke Donald’s European Ryder Cup Picks

European Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald brought back all but one player from the 2023 team, which slaughtered the Americans in Rome, Italy.

However, it has been a long two years since that time, and fans have reacted to Donald’s Captain’s Picks, which appear to have drawn some criticism, especially those who believe he took the safe route instead of going with rookies who had a great argument for a spot on the team.

Monday saw Donald announce his six Captain’s Picks in preparation for the tournament later this month. Ahead of the Ryder Cup, which will be played at Bethpage Black, many fans knew a handful of sure things: Jon Rahm, Ludvig Åberg, and Viktor Hovland seemed to be shoo-ins.

However, there was at least one shock pick, as Matt Fitzpatrick made the team once again, much to the chagrin of some European fans who believe there were at least two other names that were more deserving.

BREAKING: Luke Donald has officially confirmed his 2025 Ryder Cup side for Bethpage Black! 🇪🇺⛳ pic.twitter.com/bkLWssr983

— Sky Sports (@SkySports) September 1, 2025

Fitzpatrick has had a down year in comparison to his normal standards. While he made 17 cuts in 21 events played on the PGA TOUR this year, with 10 top-10 finishes, he did not qualify for the TOUR Championship, finishing 34th in the FedEx Cup standings.

His spot on the team was secured by a span of four straight top 8 finishes from late June to early August. Donald went with the hot hand, at least in a way.

Both Harry Hall and Matt Wallace were expected to have a shot at fulfilling the final spot on the Ryder Cup roster, but Donald chose to go with past experience rather than this season’s results:

Harry Hall

Hall made himself a familiar face this year as he truly capped off his year on the PGA TOUR with incredible consistency. He has not missed a cut since the PLAYERS Championship back in March. He also had 10 top-10 finishes in 20 starts during that span.

I’m gutted for Harry Hall—the best putter on the PLANET 🌍 and a top lad—for what looks to be an inevitable Ryder Cup snub.

Sadly, another case of Golf turning into Mean Girls.

As consolation, I’m thrilled to officially welcome him to the Stable of Strokers.

Cheers@HarryHall pic.twitter.com/j7q2pChrp0

— Bob Rolltella (@TheStroker83) August 18, 2025

He was also the best putter on TOUR this year from a statistical standpoint, finishing first in total birdies, birdie average, and SG: Putting.

Data Golf had him ranked as a Top 10 player as of August 18.

Harry Hall is now a top-10 player in the world 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

(According to @DataGolf. Currently 54th in OWGR)

Ranked ahead of Ludvig, Hovland, Morikawa, Niemann, Bob and Tyrrell Hatton. pic.twitter.com/AxnSCwoowE

— Jamie Kennedy (@jamierkennedy) August 18, 2025

He was ranked 17th in Ryder Cup point standings for the Europeans, but his consistency, proven putting prowess, and hot hand toward the end of the year made him an ideal candidate for the team.

He would have been a Ryder Cup rookie.

Matt Wallace

Wallace was damn close to winning a spot on this team, and many felt he was more deserving than to be snubbed. He was 12th in the point standings, and has been close to making the team for years. 

He recently said he’d “never give up” on making the team eventually. For the 35-year-old, time is running out.

“I’ll never give up on the Ryder Cup!”

Matt Wallace breaks down in tears over Team Europe hopes 🇪🇺 pic.twitter.com/6k2i7H5en3

— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) August 31, 2025

Wallace finished two back of the winner of the Omega European Masters this past weekend, and his best finish on the TOUR this year was a T3 finish at the 3M Open back in July.

Cover Image via PGA TOUR