Get to know your team No matter if you are looking for the stars and stripes to end their away soil losing streak or for the Europeans to continue their home turf dominance, this article highlights the team roster for both sides.
Team Europe
Newly titled “Champion Golfer of the Year” Francesco Molinari had another great year and will make his third Ryder Cup appearance. With his new Open Championship victory he hopes to improve his winless Ryder Cup record.
Arguably one of the hottest player on the planet and recent number one player in the world, Justin Rose looks to lead this year’s squad as the highest ranked European team member. Making his 5th Ryder Cup appearance, Rose is a European force with a 9-3-2 record during his past four showings.
This year’s European team has many rookies, one being Tyrrell Hatton. Representing the country of England, Hatton is not as big of a name to most American fans but will be a crowd favorite at Le Golf National.
The long-haired Tommy Fleetwood has made a big wave this year with his stellar major performance at Shinnecock and steady play all season.
Even though he is a Ryder Cup rookie, his energy will be heavily relied upon to help keep the Americans feel the pressure in an away tournament. Even though the Americans pride themselves on their 20s something talent, team Europe has another upcoming star in John Rahm. While most Americans see Patrick Reed as the rising energizer for Ryder Cup events, I see 2018 being the coming out party for young Rahm. This Spaniard has sky rocketed to 8th in the official golf rankings and looks to get off to a hot start in his young Ryder Cup career.
Making his 5th Ryder Cup appearance is the always vocal Rory McIlroy. Even at the young age of 29, he is looked upon as a leader on and off the golf course for team Europe. Looking to improve his so-so overall record of 9-6-4, we shall see if the rivalry between him and Patrick Reed continues in Paris. Even though he is an older player by age, Alex Noren from Sweden will be looking to help the home team keep their dominate winning streak on home soil.
Even though he is an experienced player on both the PGA and European tours in recent years, this week will surly bring a great test.
Continuing the trend of rookie appearances, Thorbjorn Olesen is another one to add to the watch list. Representing Denmark, Olesen currently stands at 45th in the world rankings and has a lot to prove in this year’s event. As a hopeful pick from captain Bjorn, Thorbjorn will look to prove his selection valuable over rising European stars like Thomas Pieters and Matthew Fitzpatrick.
It is hard to think of the blue and gold without the 42-year-old Ian Poulter. With a team full of rookies, this eccentric veteran looks to provide both the leadership inside the locker room as well on the course to help pump up the crowds. This will be his 6th Ryder Cup appearance representing another captain’s pick for 2018. With his impressive 12-4-2 overall record as well as incredible 4-0-1 record in singles he will surely be one of the heaviest hitters on this team.
Another familiar face when it comes to European Ryder Cup rosters includes Henrick Stenson. The 42-year-old Swede is making his 5th Ryder Cup appearance and looking to continue his dominance with partner Rose to continue the European reign. Stenson falling in ranks to 24th in the world, just one ahead of Phil Mickelson, looks to return to sharp form like his 2016 Open victory against the lefty.
Another surprising captain pick from this year’s European team includes veteran Paul Casey. Making his first appearance in the Ryder Cup since 2008, Casey will be looking to bring his past success to Paris in 2018.
Captain Bjorn last roll of the dice is represented by veteran Sergio Garcia. Even though he is making his 9th Ryder Cup appearance, and holds a historic 19-11-7 overall record in past events, it is hard to see him producing much success this week.
