With 12 months until the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, Luke Donald’s prospective European side will soon come under the spotlight.
The Englishman has been boosted after Jon Rahm appealed to the DP World Tour, confirming the 29-year-old’s participation at the upcoming Spanish Open.
Donald has reacted to Rahm’s last-ditch decision and admitted he’s pleased the Spaniard has given himself more time to resolve his current sanctions with the Wentworth-based authorities.
Of course, Rory McIlroy, Ludvig Aberg, and Viktor Hovland are likely to be shoo-ins on Long Island. But, as we saw at the 2023 edition, Donald isn’t afraid to utilise rookies to his advantage – and there’s a Northern Irish star he’s got his eye on.
Luke Donald eyes Tom McKibbin ahead of the 2025 Ryder Cup
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Northern Irishman Tom McKibbin is partnering McIlroy for the first two rounds of the Irish Open, and the 21-year-old has admirers.
Donald, speaking after his first round at Royal County Down, was asked about the DP World Tour youngster.
A reporter asked: “Tom McKibbin, have you paid him much attention?”
“Yeah, I played with Tom at The Scottish Open,” Donald replied. “Heard a lot about him. Obviously won a couple of times out here at such an early age, and he seems like a very good talent and someone to keep my eye on.”
Tom McKibbin’s 2024 DP World Tour record
McKibbin is currently 17th in the Race to Dubai and has impressed on the DP World Tour in 2024.
The 21-year-old has eight top-ten finishes since the turn of the year and also qualified for the US Open at Pinehurst No.2.
What’s more, McKibbin would go on to make the cut in North Carolina and bank himself $72,000 in the process.
Furthermore, at the Open Championship, the Northern Irishman produced two solid opening rounds to make the cut in Royal Troon’s testing conditions.
Given his tender age, there’s a lot for European fans and Donald to be excited about as the Ryder Cup year approaches.
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