Luke Donald tells ‘fearless’ Europe to write their own Ryder Cup history

Europe captain Luke Donald has urged his team to make their own history at the Ryder Cup – and vowed his “very fearless” players are ready to win the trophy back.

Donald made his intentions clear by announcing that fiery duo Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton would lead Europe for Friday morning’s foursomes against world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns. But he said all 12 men were ready after a strong week of practice. “They are very fearless,” he said. “They are extremely good golfers. We had some great days together. The atmosphere in the team room is fantastic. Everyone is in a good mood. They are motivated. There is a lot of good energy. Everyone feels like they are playing well. I’m glad the boys are taking it all in, enjoying it and making their own history this week.

Donald also denied suggestions that Rahm and Hatton might be too combustible playing together, predicting the two men would complement each other.

“They are both world-class players,” he said. “Both fantastic ball strikers. They are very passionate. I think Jon fuels a playing partner with a similar kind of fire and passion. He wants to feel like he is with a teammate who is really involved with him. Tyrrell really fits into that picture.

“Jon and Tyrrell are fiery characters. But their personalities match and the statistics point to a very strong partnership.”

Europe’s second duo of the morning sees Viktor Hovland play with exciting Ryder Cup rookie Ludvig Åberg against Max Homa and Brian Harman. Another European newcomer, Sepp Straka, will appear alongside Shane Lowry in the third match against Rickie Fowler and Collin Morikawa.

The final match is the most tantalizing, pitting Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood against Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele.

“I have a lot of confidence in my team, but at the same time I certainly don’t underestimate the US,” said Donald. “There are a lot of players who played in Whistling Straits two years ago. They have some combinations with astronomical win rates and they have had a lot of success.”

Meanwhile, US captain Zach Johnson denied his decision not to select Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth, who have a 3-1 record as a pair at the Ryder Cup, was due to their poor form.

“The bottom line is we have 12 people,” he said. “Unfortunately I can’t play all twelve sessions. So at some point someone has to sit down. It is a golf course that demands a lot from you physically. I have the utmost confidence in Jordan and Justin.”