England’s Matt Wallace is counting down the hours as European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald prepares to announce his six captain’s picks ahead of the 2025 showdown at Bethpage Black.
Six players, including Rory McIlroy, Tyrrell Hatton and Tommy Fleetwood, have already qualified automatically, leaving Wallace and other hopefuls on tenterhooks.
Wallace, 33, has enjoyed one of the strongest seasons of his career, highlighted by a standout performance at the European Masters, where he finished 20 under par.
Speaking before Donald’s announcement, Wallace admitted the pressure is intense. “You try not to think about it too much, but obviously every golfer dreams of playing in the Ryder Cup.
“I just hope I can do enough to earn my spot and contribute to the team if I get the chance.”
A European Tour regular with multiple wins to his name, Wallace has yet to feature in a Ryder Cup squad.
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His potential inclusion would mark a milestone for a player whose consistency has often put him in the conversation but who has missed out on past selections. “It’s a huge honour just to be considered,” Wallace added.
“Bethpage is a tough course, and playing in that environment would be incredible.”
The Ryder Cup is as much about strategic selection as it is about individual form.
Captain’s picks are scrutinised for experience, current season performance, and how players complement the automatic qualifiers.
Wallace’s form this year makes him a strong contender, though Donald may weigh the value of previous Ryder Cup experience against raw momentum.
Speaking after his final round in Switzerland, he managed just one sentence before walking off: "I'll never give up on the Ryder Cup."
"I'll never give up on the Ryder Cup!"
— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) August 31, 2025
Matt Wallace breaks down in tears over Team Europe hopes 🇪🇺 pic.twitter.com/6k2i7H5en3
Securing a spot on Team Europe could shape his career, boost his profile, and offer a rare chance to compete on one of golf’s most prominent stages.
But for Wallace, he feels his fate may already be decided.
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