Luke Donald: Shane Lowry's big tournament experience crucial

European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald cited Shane Lowry's credentials in big tournaments as a key factor behind his selection and admitted that Padraig Harrington's form earlier in 2023 had briefly put him in the frame to be the oldest player in the history of the event.

Former world number 1 Donald named his six wildcard picks on 4 September, with Lowry and Denmark's Nicolai Hojgaard getting the nod, and current Italian Open champion Adrian Meronk the most contentious omission.

Lowry's selection had generated hostility in some quarters, with ex-British Masters Champion Richard Bland especially critical, arguing that Meronk deserved the nod ahead of the "out-of-form" Irishman.

Meronk, himself, while not commenting on the picks themselves, revealed his "shock" and "anger" at being omitted ahead of his Irish Open defence at the K Club last week.

Lowry himself hit back at some of the criticism yesterday, saying it "didn't sit well with him", suggesting he may have "shut a few people up" with his strong third-placed performance at the Irish Open.

Speaking to reporters in Wentworth this afternoon, Donald was asked about the Lowry call.

"He's very passionate. He loves those team atmospheres. He grew up around team sports when he was younger.

"Golf-wise, he's proven himself at many big occasions, the Open Championship, winner at Wentworth, he won a WGC. In the biggest moments, he's able to deliver. We saw some of that at Whistling Straits.

"Part of the process of having six picks, some of them you have to pick on just knowing that they've been there before. Knowing that they've been in those occasions and been able to handle them. Shane certainly fits into that category."

Having served as captain in Wisconsin two years ago, Padraig