The Ryder Cup is one of the most prestigious and exciting events in golf, pitting the best players from Europe and the United States against each other in a team format. The 44th edition of the biennial tournament will take place from September 29 to October 1, 2023, at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome, Italy.
The venue, which has been completely renovated to host the Ryder Cup, is a stunning course that features a restored 11th-century castle, rolling fairways, undulating greens, and scenic views of the Eternal City. The course will provide a true test of skill, strategy, and nerve for the 24 players who will represent their continents.
But who are these players, and how do they rank among their peers? In this article, we will rank the top players from both teams based on their current form, Ryder Cup experience, and suitability for the course. We will also highlight their strengths and weaknesses, and what they can bring to their teams.
Top Players from Team Europe
Team Europe will be led by captain Luke Donald, a former world number one and four-time Ryder Cup winner. He will be assisted by vice-captains Thomas Bjørn, Nicolas Colsaerts, Edoardo Molinari, Francesco Molinari, and José María Olazábal. The team consists of six automatic qualifiers from the European Points List and the World Points List, and six captain’s picks. Here are the top players from Team Europe, ranked from highest to lowest:
| Rank | Player | Points | Wins | Majors | Ryder Cups |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jon Rahm | 10.64 | 8 | 2 | 2 |
| 2 | Rory McIlroy | 7.86 | 19 | 4 | 6 |
| 3 | Viktor Hovland | 7.06 | 4 | 0 | Debut |
| 4 | Tyrrell Hatton | 6.28 | 6 | 0 | 2 |
| 5 | Matt Fitzpatrick | 5.88 | 7 | 0 | 2 |
| 6 | Robert MacIntyre | 4.32 | 2 | 0 | Debut |
| 7 | Justin Rose | 4.16 | 11 | 1 | 5 |
| 8 | Tommy Fleetwood | 3.98 | 5 | 0 | 2 |
| 9 | Shane Lowry | 3.96 | 5 | 1 (The Open) | Debut |
| 10 | Sepp Straka | 3.72 | 2 | 0 | Debut |
| 11 | Nicolai Højgaard | 3.68 | 2 | 0 | Debut |
| 12 | Ludvig Åberg | 3.66 | 1 (European Tour) | 0 | Debut |
Jon Rahm
The world number one and two-time major champion is undoubtedly the leader and star of Team Europe. The Spaniard has been in sensational form this season, winning four times including the U.S. Open and the BMW PGA Championship. He also finished second at the Masters and the Open Championship, and third at the Tour Championship. Rahm has a solid Ryder Cup record, winning three out of five matches in his debut in Paris in 2018. He is a fierce competitor who thrives under pressure and can handle any type of course. He has no obvious weaknesses in his game, and can overpower opponents with his driving, iron play, short game, and putting. Rahm is expected to play a key role in both the team and singles matches, and will be a tough opponent for anyone on Team USA.
Rory McIlroy
The four-time major winner and former world number one is still one of the best players in the world, despite not winning a major since 2014. The Northern Irishman has been consistent this season, winning twice on the PGA Tour and finishing in the top-10 nine times. He also showed some glimpses of his best form at the majors, finishing fifth at the Masters and fourth at the Open Championship. McIlroy is one of the most experienced players on Team Europe, having played in six Ryder Cups and winning four of them. He has a positive overall record of 13-9-4 in his matches, and has been involved in some memorable moments such as his singles win over Patrick Reed in Hazeltine in 2016. McIlroy is a versatile player who can adapt to any course, and has a powerful and accurate game off the tee, a superb iron game, and a clutch putting stroke. He is also a passionate and vocal leader who can inspire his teammates and intimidate his opponents. McIlroy will be a key player for Team Europe, especially in the foursomes and singles matches.
Viktor Hovland
The Norwegian sensation is one of the rising stars of the golf world, and has already established himself as a top-10 player at the age of 24. Hovland has won four times on the PGA Tour and the European Tour, including the BMW International Open this season. He also finished third at the U.S. Open and sixth at the Open Championship, proving his ability to contend at the majors. Hovland will make his Ryder Cup debut in Rome, but he has plenty of experience in team events, having won the 2018 U.S. Amateur and the 2019 Walker Cup as part of Team USA. He also represented Norway at the 2020 Olympics, finishing 13th. Hovland is a phenomenal ball-striker who can hit it long and straight off the tee, and has a superb iron game that allows him to hit many greens in regulation. He also has a solid short game and a reliable putting stroke. Hovland is a calm and composed player who does not get rattled by pressure or adversity. He will be a valuable asset for Team Europe, especially in the four-ball matches where he can showcase his birdie-making ability.
Tyrrell Hatton
The Englishman is one of the most consistent and underrated players on Team Europe, having won six times on the European Tour and once on the PGA Tour. Hatton has also performed well at the majors, finishing sixth at the U.S. Open and 18th at the Open Championship this season. Hatton played in his first Ryder Cup in Paris in 2018, winning one out of three matches. He is a gritty and determined player who does not back down from a challenge, and can grind out results in tough conditions. He has a strong all-around game, with excellent driving accuracy, iron play, short game, and putting. He is also known for his fiery temperament and emotional reactions, which can either motivate him or frustrate him depending on the situation. Hatton will be an important player for Team Europe, especially in the foursomes matches where he can partner well with another steady player.
Matt Fitzpatrick
The young Englishman is one of the most talented players on Team Europe, having won seven times on the European Tour and twice on the PGA Tour. Fitzpatrick has also been impressive at the majors, finishing seventh at the Masters and 26th at the U.S. Open this season. Fitzpatrick played in his second Ryder Cup in Paris in 2018, winning two out of four matches. He is a smart and strategic player who knows how to play to his strengths, and can adapt to any course or format. He has a superb short game and putting stroke, which makes him one of the best scramblers and birdie-makers on tour. He also has a solid driving accuracy and iron play, which allows him to hit many fairways and greens in regulation. Fitzpatrick is a calm and confident player who does not get intimidated by pressure or opponents. He will be a valuable player for Team Europe, especially in the singles matches where he can use his match-play skills.
Robert MacIntyre
The Scottish rookie is one of the most exciting players on Team Europe, having won twice on the European Tour and once on the PGA Tour. MacIntyre has also been impressive at the majors, finishing sixth at the Masters and eighth at The Open Championship this season. MacIntyre will make his Ryder Cup debut in Rome, but he has some experience in team events, having represented Scotland at the 2020 Olympics, finishing 15th. He also played in the 2017 Walker Cup as part of Great Britain and Ireland. MacIntyre is a fearless and aggressive player who likes to take on risks and go for shots that others would not dare to try. He has a powerful and accurate game off the tee, and has a superb iron game that allows him to hit many close approaches. He also has a creative short game and a confident putting stroke. MacIntyre is a charismatic and entertaining player who enjoys playing in front of big crowds and interacting with fans. He will be an asset for Team Europe, especially in the four-ball matches where he can unleash his flair and firepower.
Top Players from Team USA
Team USA will be led by captain Zach Johnson, a two-time major champion and five-time Ryder Cup player. He will be assisted by vice-captains Steve Stricker, Davis Love III, Jim Furyk, Fred Couples, and Tiger Woods. The team consists of six automatic qualifiers from the U.S. Points List and six captain’s picks. Here are the top players from Team USA, ranked from highest to lowest:
| Rank | Player | Points | Wins | Majors | Ryder Cups |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Collin Morikawa | 10.34 | 6 | 2 | Debut |
| 2 | Dustin Johnson | 9.87 | 25 | 2 | 5 |
| 3 | Xander Schauffele | 8.42 | 6 | 0 | Debut |
| 4 | Justin Thomas | 8.11 | 14 | 1 (PGA) | 2 |
| 5 | Patrick Cantlay | 7.97 | 6 (FedEx Cup) | 0 | Debut |
| 6 | Jordan Spieth | 7.61 | 15 (The Open) | 3 (Masters, U.S. Open, The Open) | 4 |
| 7 | Brooks Koepka | 7.51 | 9 (U.S. Open, PGA) | 4 (U.S. Open x2, PGA x2) | 3 |
| 8 | Bryson DeChambeau | 7.13 | 9 (U.S. Open) | 1 (U.S. Open) | 1 |
| 9 | Tony Finau | 6.69 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| 10 | Scottie Scheffler | 6.17 | 1 | 0 | Debut |
| 11 | Daniel Berger | 5.96 | 4 | 0 | Debut |
| 12 | Harris English | 5.81 | 5 | 0 | Debut |
Collin Morikawa
The world number two and two-time major champion is the leader and star of Team USA. The American has been phenomenal this season, winning three times including the Open Championship and the WGC-Workday Championship. He also finished second at the Tour Championship and fourth at the U.S. Open. Morikawa will make his Ryder Cup debut in Rome, but he has plenty of experience in team events, having won the 2017 Walker Cup and the 2018 Arnold Palmer Cup as part of Team USA. He also represented USA at the 2020 Olympics, finishing fourth. Morikawa is an exceptional ball-striker who can hit it long and straight off the tee, and has a superb iron game that allows him to hit many precise approaches. He also has a solid short game and a steady putting stroke. Morikawa is a calm and composed player who does not get affected by pressure or distractions. He will be a key player for Team USA, especially in the foursomes and singles matches where he can use his accuracy and consistency.
Dustin Johnson
The world number three and two-time major champion is still one of the best players in the world, despite having a relatively quiet season by his standards. The American has won twice on the PGA Tour this season, including the Saudi International and the Masters. He also finished sixth at the U.S. Open and eighth at the PGA Championship. Johnson is one of the most experienced players on Team USA, having played in five Ryder Cups and winning one of them. He has a negative overall record of 9-12-0 in his matches, but he has been involved in some memorable moments such as his singles win over Martin Kaymer in Medinah in 2012. Johnson is a versatile player who can adapt to any course or format, and has a powerful and accurate game off the tee, a superb iron game, and a clutch putting stroke. He is also a cool and confident leader who can inspire his teammates and intimidate his opponents. Johnson will be an important player for Team USA, especially in the four-ball matches where he can showcase his birdie-making ability.
Xander Schauffele
The world number four and Olympic gold medalist is one of the rising stars of the golf world, and has already established himself as a top-10 player at the age of 27. Schauffele has won six times on the PGA Tour and the European Tour, including the CJ Cup and the Sentry Tournament of Champions this season. He also finished second at the Masters and third at the U.S. Open, proving his ability to contend at the majors. Schauffele will make his Ryder Cup debut in Rome, but he has some experience in team events, having won the Presidents Cup as part of Team USA in 2019. He also represented USA at the Olympics, winning the gold medal. Schauffele is a phenomenal all-around player who has no weaknesses in his game, and can hit it long and straight off the tee, and has a superb iron game that allows him to hit many close approaches. He also has a solid short game and a reliable putting stroke. Schauffele is a calm and composed player who does not get rattled by pressure or adversity. He will be a valuable asset for Team USA, especially in the foursomes matches where he can partner well with another steady player.
Justin Thomas
The world number five and one-time major champion is one of the best players in the world, and has been consistent this season, winning three times on the PGA Tour and the European Tour, including the Players Championship and the WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational. He also finished fourth at the Open Championship and seventh at the PGA Championship. Thomas is one of the most experienced players on Team USA, having played in two Ryder Cups and winning one of them. He has a positive overall record of 6-4-1 in his matches, and has been involved in some memorable moments such as his singles win over Rory McIlroy in Paris in 2018. Thomas is a versatile player who can adapt to any course or format, and has a powerful and accurate game off the tee, a superb iron game, and a clutch putting stroke. He is also a passionate and vocal leader who can inspire his teammates and intimidate his opponents. Thomas will be an important player for Team USA, especially in the foursomes and singles matches where he can use his match-play skills.
Patrick Cantlay
The world number six and FedEx Cup champion is one of the rising stars of the golf world, and has been phenomenal this season, winning four times on the PGA Tour, including the BMW Championship and the Tour Championship. He also finished second at the Memorial Tournament and 15th at the U.S. Open. Cantlay will make his Ryder Cup debut in Rome, but he has some experience in team events, having won the Presidents Cup as part of Team USA in 2019. He also represented USA at the Olympics, finishing 22nd. Cantlay is an exceptional all-around player who has no weaknesses in his game, and can hit it long and straight off the tee, and has a superb iron game that allows him to hit many precise approaches. He also has a solid short game and a reliable putting stroke. Cantlay is a calm and composed player who does not get affected by pressure or distractions. He will be a valuable asset for Team USA, especially in the four-ball matches where he can showcase his birdie-making ability.
Jordan Spieth
The world number seven and three-time major champion is still one of the best players in the world, despite having a slump in form for a few years. The American has bounced back this season, winning twice on the PGA Tour, including the Valero Texas Open and the Charles Schwab Challenge. He also finished third at the Masters and second at The Open Championship, proving his ability to contend at the majors. Spieth is one of the most experienced players on Team USA, having played in four Ryder Cups and winning one of them. He has a positive overall record of 10-8-2 in his matches, and has been involved in some memorable moments such as his singles win over Henrik Stenson in Gleneagles in 2014. Spieth is a versatile player who can adapt to any course or format, and has a superb short game and putting stroke, which makes him one of the best scramblers and birdie-makers on tour. He also has a solid driving accuracy and iron play, which allows him to hit many fairways and greens in regulation. Spieth is a passionate and vocal leader who can inspire his teammates and intimidate his opponents. Spieth will be an important player for Team USA, especially in the foursomes and singles matches where he can use his match-play skills.
