Paul McGinley believes one current PGA Tour player could be the perfect fit for Luke Donald’s 2025 Ryder Cup team.
With nine months to go until the event at Bethpage Black, GB & Ireland are taking on Continental Europe at the Team Cup as Donald casts his eye over those vying for a spot in his 12-man roster.
Rory McIlroy, Tyrrell Hatton, Matt Wallace, Paul Waring, Rasmus Hojgaard and Niklas Norgaard are the six players currently leading the European standings. However, the qualification picture promises to change over the coming months.
Hatton, for example, is set to play almost all his golf on LIV, which will limit the Englishman’s chances to add further points to his tally. It’s a similar story for Jon Rahm, who, at present, will be reliant on a pick from Donald. Tom McKibbin, who has been heavily linked to LIV, is another who could find it hard to seal his spot at Bethpage Black automatically.
Paul McGinley tips ‘special’ European player to make Ryder Cup
As is usually the case with the European side, rookies will play an important role; Ludvig Aberg – in his first Ryder Cup – starred in Rome.
Speaking on Sky Sports‘ coverage of the Team Cup, McGinley said Matthieu Pavon could be a Ryder Cup debutant to watch out for in September.
“Pavon stood out. I know he’s on a team that will lose, but he’s been something special. He’s got a bit of grit about him,” McGinley said.
“I think it’s no secret we are looking at two or three rookies again. As much as we are looking at this Ryder Cup in a different way to any away one before, what we are looking for is personality, guile and grit and someone that can play in a hostile environment. I think Pavon brings that to the table, so he’s been really impressive.
“He had a big year in America last year, which sets him up for a big year this year because he’s in all of the majors and signature events.”
- READ MORE: Luke Donald singles out one European player who has really impressed him ahead of the 2025 Ryder Cup
Matthieu Pavon’s 2024 PGA Tour record
Pavon’s PGA Tour career sparked into life at the 2024 Farmers Insurance Open. The Frenchman finished 13 under at Torrey Pines and sealed his maiden title in the process.
Just a week later, at Pebble Beach, Pavon finished third in the AT&T Pro-Am. The 32-year-old showed he was capable of competing at two of golf’s iconic and most demanding venues. After placing 12th at the Masters, Pavon missed the cut at the PGA Championship before turning his attention to the US Open at Pinehurst.
The European Ryder Cup hopeful finished fifth in North Carolina, having led the tournament during the third round. Pavon clearly embraces the big moments and could be precisely the type of character Donald needs when Europe head to what will be a hostile Bethpage.
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