5 Key Members of the European Ryder Cup Team

With the British Open about to reach a crucial stage, there are plenty of Ryder Cup points up for grabs for European golfers. Much can happen to the table between now and the final qualifying tournament but at this stage, those at the top of the rankings are virtually assured of a place.

So who are likely to be the key figures as Paul McGinley’s team prepare to defend the trophy that they won in such dramatic fashion at Medinah two years ago?

1. Jamie Donaldson

Europe are favorites at 1.98 with Betfair to win the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles but McGinley may have a number of unfamiliar faces in his squad and he will have to choose his opening pairings wisely. Welshman Donaldson is one of those new men and his current, second place ranking on the European points list suggests he is certain of a place in the squad.

At 38, this is Donaldson’s best year on the tour and it began in April with a 14^th place at the Masters. Consistent play in 2014 has earned a place in McGinley’s team but the player’s performances this year are at odds with his overall record and the captain needs to assess the Welshman very carefully.

2. Martin Kaymer

Germany’s Kaymer started 2014 a little slowly but victory in the US Open propelled him up the rankings and into an automatic qualifying pace. A loss of form at the start of the year forced him to change his swing and he has been more consistent from the tee since recording his second win in a major.

McGinley may have been a little concerned when watching the German in action but in match play situations he has few equals. Having been instrumental in the ‘Miracle at Medinah’, expect the European captain to use Kaymer as much as he can.

3. Victor Dubuisson

2014 has been a breakthrough year for France’s Dubuisson and as he heads the European points table, captain McGinley says he is ’99 per certain’ to be on the team. Picking Dubuisson for the opening pairings might be considered a gamble but away from tournament play, it’s worth remembering that he took Jason Day to the 23^rd hole in the final of the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship earlier this year.

Unlike Donaldson who some might say has enjoyed one-off success this season, Dubuisson is a young golfer who is improving all the time and he will have a big part to play at Gleneagles in October.

4. Luke Donald

Donald’s frustrating quest for a first major victory continues but after another consistent season overall, the 36 year old is in line for a place on the team once again.

Donald may end his career as one of the best players to have never won a major but his record in the Ryder Cup is a stellar one. To date, he is the only European to have been on the winning side in his first four appearances and in 15 matches in this competition, he has lost just four.

5. Ian Poulter

As we come towards the end of the qualifying tournaments for this year’s Ryder Cup, Ian Poulter finds himself outside of the automatic places and while his form may not deserve a captain’s pick, there is more than one reason why McGinley would want the 38 year old on his side.

Poulter has a good record in this competition but his bubbly character means that he’s good for team spirit while his fiery competitiveness is always guaranteed to shake his American opponents. Expect the Englishman to gain a wild card if he can’t squeeze in to the automatic slots.