Aberg gets Ryder Cup call for Europe as Donald names three rookie picks

LONDON : Team Europe Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald named 23-year-old Swede Ludvig Aberg as one of three rookies when he unveiled his six picks on Monday but will also lean heavily on some seasoned warriors for this month's contest in Rome.

There was no surprise that Donald picked English duo Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood, who will be making their sixth and third appearances respectively against the United States, and also opted for Ireland's former Open champion Shane Lowry.

But the team will have a fresh look with big-hitting Austrian Sepp Straka, 30, Denmark's Nicolai Hojgaard, 22, and Aberg all chosen for the first time after impressive seasons.

Aberg was the last of the six picks named by Donald, the day after the Swede shot a six-under par 64 to win the European Masters in only his second regular start on the DP World Tour.

The former world amateur number one turned professional in June but Donald described him as having the potential to be one of golf's superstars.

"It's been quite a lot these last couple of months but it's been so exciting and I can't wait for Rome," Aberg said.

England's Matt Fitzpatrick and Scotland's Robert MacIntyre, who makes it four rookies in the team, wrapped up the last two automatic places for Europe at the European Masters event in Switzerland despite being eclipsed by Aberg.

Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland), Jon Rahm (Spain), Viktor Hovland (Norway) and Tyrrell Hatton had already guaranteed their seats on the flight to Rome.

The three-day match will start at the Marco Simone Country Club starting on Sept. 30 when Europe will be trying to win back the trophy after losing at Whistling Straights in 2021.

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