DP World Tour’s Ryder Cup-Like Event Fails to Attract Europe’s Biggest Stars

When the Hero Cup was announced in September, DP World Tour officials hoped that the Ryder Cup-like competition between continental Europe and Great Britain/Ireland would attract the top stars from the region.

Specifically targeted for the January 13-15, 2023 contest in Abu Dhabi were Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Viktor Hovland, and Matthew Fitzpatrick.

On Monday morning, nine of the 10 members of each team were announced, and those big names were nowhere to be found.

Among those selected, however, include FedEx Cup points leader Seamus Power to the GB&I team.

Delighted to be named on Team Great Britain and Ireland for the Hero Cup in January! Thanks @LukeDonald and @TommyFleetwood1 for the opportunity. pic.twitter.com/lDGadQLLUr

— Seamus Power (@Power4Seamus) November 28, 2022

Power will be joined by 2022 DP World Tour winners Shane Lowry, Jordan Smith, Robert MacIntyre, Tyrrell Hatton, and player-captain Tommy Fleetwood.

They will be opposed by a team captained by Francesco Molinari, along with Thomas Detry, Adrian Meronk, Sepp Straka, Thomas Pieters, and Rasmus Hojgaard.

Fleetwood and Molinari were selected as captains by Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald. He hopes both can gain experience in this type of format that will benefit future European Ryder Cup teams.

Donald said:

“Having worked closely with Tommy and Fran on building the two teams, I’m delighted with the mix of players who will be on show at Abu Dhabi Golf Club in January.”

Very excited to see some amazing talent on display at the inaugural Hero Cup. One more pick up for grabs on each side! Can’t wait to watch these guys go head to head in matchplay in January. #herocup pic.twitter.com/FqNVCCPIfw

— Luke Donald (@LukeDonald) November 28, 2022

One member will be named to each team in the coming weeks. The PGA Tour’s Sony Open in Hawaii will be taking place opposite this event and will be one week after the Sentry Tournament of Champions, also in Hawaii, which is expected to attract the top European stars listed above.

Cover Image Via Twitter