FEATURE: Time-travelling Matt Cooper reveals Europe’s Ryder Cup team for 2022

This week’s Italian Open takes place in the Italian capital and it’s a reminder that in three years time, almost to the very week, the eternal city will host the 2022 Ryder Cup. Matt Cooper went time-travelling to discover who makes that team…
Rory McIlroy
The 33-year-old Northern Irishman finally broke his stoic eight-year major championship drought with an emotional victory at Augusta National in April and, riding the wave, he added a second Open success at Royal Liverpool in July.
Tommy Fleetwood
The Moliwood pairing remained strong at Whistling Straits and Fleetwood earned another three points in Europe’s stunning victory. Claimed a first World Golf Championship in 2021 as well as a second Race to Dubai.
Francesco Molinari
He needed a wildcard pick from captain Lee Westwood, but few expected him not to be handed it. Focused his attention on Europe throughout the year and found form in the summer, notably when contending at the Norwegian Masters.
Viktor Hovland
The six-time PGA Tour winner completed back-to-back BMW PGA Championship victories on his way to comfortable qualification for a second appearance in the match, but he’ll be keen to make up for a disappointing debut in Europe’s win.
Jon Rahm
Winner of the 2021 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines and now a four-time winner of the Irish Open. Collected four points in the 2020 match, redemption for his downbeat debut in Paris (singles win over Tiger Woods notwithstanding).
Shane Lowry
One of the heroes of the 2020 match, thriving in the filthy rain and wind at Whistling Straits. He featured in one of the great Irish sporting moments, when he slipped McIlroy’s arms inside a green jacket in April. Was handed the second wildcard.
Matt Wallace
Suffered a second Ryder Cup agony in 2020 when he again failed to earn a captain’s pick. A first Rolex Series win, plus two victories elsewhere, aided his cause this time around and Westwood didn’t need to make a decision as he qualified by right.
Adri Arnaus
Looks set to re-establish his explosive partnership with Rahm, one of the key components of Europe’s win two years ago, reviving memories of Ballesteros and Olazabal. Now has three wins in the U.S. to add to his five in Europe.
Danny Willett
The winner of the 2020 Open at Royal St Georges again suffered plenty of abuse from the galleries in his second Ryder Cup two years ago and is excited about finally getting to play on this side of the Atlantic. Westwood gave him the final wildcard.
Robert MacIntyre
Made a strong debut in the 2020 match, suited by the nasty conditions, and also fuelled by his run to the final of that year’s WGC World Match Play final. He returned to the final a year later and this time emerged the champion. Scotland appalled he didn’t make the SPOTY shortlist.
Lukas Axel Kubik
The 6’7” Frenchman was playing U.S. college golf in 2020, shot 58 on the Challenge Tour in 2021 and won four times on the main tour in 2022 to complete a remarkable rise for the man who averages 367.75 yards from the tee with his 3-wood.
Johannes Van Der Graaf
The Ryder Cup’s first Kolpak player was a complete unknown just three years ago, but, inspired by Rory Sabbatini and numerous cricketers and rugby players, he pursued a career in Albania via his mother’s passport and won Olympic silver.
Latest
-
News
On this day in 2008: Ryder Cup misery in Louisville for Nick Faldo’s Europe
Faldo was heavily criticised for his tactics in the closing singles.
-
Lucas Glover edges past Patrick Cantlay to claim back-to-back Tour wins
Glover, 43, ultimately claimed victory with a par on the 18th hole playoff after Cantlay found water off the tee.
-
Lilia Vu wins second major as Charley Hull comes up short despite stunning eagle
American Vu added the Women’s Open title to her Chevron Championship.
-
Lucas Glover holds onto lead in Memphis with Tommy Fleetwood two strokes behind
Glover said it was a scrappy day but he got ‘a lot out of’ what he had.
-
Charley Hull shares lead with Lilia Vu heading into final day of Women’s Open
The pair are nine under for the tournament.
-
On This Day in 2007 – Tiger Woods claims 13th major with victory in Oklahoma
The world number one successfully defended his US PGA Championship title.
-
Ally Ewing out to emulate Brian Harman with Open win
The pair share their southern roots, passion for hunting and college teams named the Bulldogs.
-
Ally Ewing storms clear during second round of AIG Women’s Open at Walton Heath
At 10 under par Ewing enjoyed a five-shot lead over compatriot Andrea Lee and Japan’s Minami Katsu.
-
Jordan Spieth leads by one after first round of FedEx St Jude Championship
England’s Tommy Fleetwood and Aaron Rai are the best of the British contingent, closing out Thursday on four under par.
-
Rory McIlroy delighted with Tiger Woods’ role on PGA Tour’s policy board
Woods, 47, has not played since withdrawing from April’s Masters and concedes his playing opportunities will be extremely limited going forward.