Ryder Cup 2027: Our Writers Predict USA And European Teams (With Key Omissions On Both Sides)

With less than a year to go until the next Ryder Cup, some of the Golf Monthly team have predicted who will line up for Team USA and Team Europe in Ireland

Main image is general Ryder Cup 2027 logo with inset image of Jim Furyk and Luke Donald and the Inside The Ropes sticker in the top left
(Image credit: Getty Images)

There is less than a year to go until the Ryder Cup is up for grabs once again and Team Europe will attempt to win this old prize for the third successive time.

Luke Donald remains the captain of the Europeans as they put stability and consistency into the foundations of what they hope will be another successful tilt.

Meanwhile, Jim Furyk has returned as US skipper for a second stint eight years after his first, aiming to learn lessons from a highly underwhelming performance from his side at Le Golf National in 2018.

The Americans are out to claim a first Ryder Cup on European soil since 1993 but haven't appeared that likely to break said run in recent tries. Only twice in that period have they fallen within three points of victory.

Jim Furyk and Luke Donald at the One Year To Go event in Ireland ahead of the 2027 Ryder Cup

Jim Furyk and Luke Donald at the 'Year To Go' event in Ireland ahead of the 2027 Ryder Cup

(Image credit: Getty Images)

But could things be different this time? A sparkling Presidents Cup debut from Jackson Koivun has offered plenty of optimism over the next generation. Meanwhile, many of the stalwarts of this team are only growing stronger with more experience.

On the other side of the tee box, it appears as though Donald will have to make a few tweaks in 2027 where he has been able to rely on a near-identical line-up for each of the past two editions.

With Team Europe's qualification period already underway, Donald recently gathered a large group of prospective players in Ireland to make early assessments on who could strengthen the home side's grip on the cup.

So how might both teams look in a year's time? We've listed our predicted rosters for the 2027 Ryder Cup - see if you agree and let us know who you might change in the comments box below.

Jonny Leighfield headshot at Autumn/Winter Test Day 2025
Jonny Leighfield
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Header Cell - Column 0

Team Europe

Team USA

Row 0 - Cell 0

Rory McIlroy

Scottie Scheffler

Row 1 - Cell 0

Jon Rahm

Bryson DeChambeau

Row 2 - Cell 0

Matt Fitzpatrick

Cameron Young

Row 3 - Cell 0

Tommy Fleetwood

Wyndham Clark

Row 4 - Cell 0

Shane Lowry

Justin Thomas

Row 5 - Cell 0

Tyrrell Hatton

Chris Gotterup

Row 6 - Cell 0

Robert MacIntyre

Sam Burns

Row 7 - Cell 0

Justin Rose

Xander Schauffele

Row 8 - Cell 0

Ludvig Aberg

Collin Morikawa

Row 9 - Cell 0

Viktor Hovland

JJ Spaun

Row 10 - Cell 0

Marco Penge

Patrick Reed

Row 11 - Cell 0

Alex Fitzpatrick

Jackson Koivun

Most of Team Europe speaks for itself, with the majority of this roster remaining as it was for Bethpage and Marco Simone. I am mildly concerned about the current form of Tyrrell Hatton, but for the most part, this side sort of picks itself.

But with Sepp Straka suffering a drastic loss of form and the Hojgaard twins hardly screaming 'pick me!', I think there are two open spots as it stands.

If I had to take a punt on who I think is most likely to replace Straka and Hojgaard, I'd go for Marco Penge and Alex Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick is certainly in excellent form and has shown what an ideal partner he can be for big brother, Matt.

Penge undoubtedly has the talent but needs to sharpen back up through the majority of 2027. If he can do so, I'd say the hosts are very well positioned to make it three in a row.

Justin Thomas and Jackson Koivun look on

Justin Thomas and Jackson Koivun were a force to be reckoned with at the 2026 Presidents Cup

(Image credit: Getty Images)

On the US side, I'm forecasting far more changes. I've made four myself, but I wouldn't be surprised if there were even five or six changes from Bethpage.

I'd hope Bryson DeChambeau would be in the side, and I hope Justin Thomas and Patrick Reed are picked as well - if only for the entertainment value. Both are playing well though so I can see that being a realistic proposition, especially if Reed kicks on upon his return to the PGA Tour.

As for the changes, I can see Patrick Cantlay, Russell Henley, Ben Griffin and Harris English missing out in favor of Wyndham Clark, Chris Gotterup, Reed and Jackson Koivun.

I think those changes make Team USA an awful lot stronger and would give the visitors a sniff of a shock victory in Ireland.

A headshot of Elliott Heath wearing a sky blue hoodie
Elliott Heath
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Header Cell - Column 0

Team Europe

Team USA

Row 0 - Cell 0

Rory McIlroy

Scottie Scheffler

Row 1 - Cell 0

Jon Rahm

Russell Henley

Row 2 - Cell 0

Matt Fitzpatrick

Cameron Young

Row 3 - Cell 0

Tommy Fleetwood

Wyndham Clark

Row 4 - Cell 0

Shane Lowry

Justin Thomas

Row 5 - Cell 0

Tyrrell Hatton

Chris Gotterup

Row 6 - Cell 0

Robert MacIntyre

Sam Burns

Row 7 - Cell 0

Justin Rose

Xander Schauffele

Row 8 - Cell 0

Ludvig Aberg

Collin Morikawa

Row 9 - Cell 0

Viktor Hovland

Patrick Cantlay

Row 10 - Cell 0

Aaron Rai

Patrick Reed

Row 11 - Cell 0

Alex Fitzpatrick

Jackson Koivun

This was a very interesting exercise and I have concluded that both sides are completely wide open.

Starting with the US, I have at least four locks already (Scheffler, Schauffele, Morikawa, Young) and I believe the next eight will be decided by how their 2027 seasons go.

I think Patrick Reed could make his way in automatically if he produces what we know he can - albeit he needs to get into the Signature Events asap.

Regarding DeChambeau, it's unclear where he'll be playing golf in 2027 and his poor Major performances this season mean I can't confidently say he'll be on the plane to Ireland.

Bryson DeChambeau waves to the fans after his second round at the 2026 Open.

The uncertain future of Bryson DeChambeau means it's too tough to pick him right now

(Image credit: Getty Images)

With Europe, I have eight locks (McIlroy, Rahm, M Fitzpatrick, Aberg, MacIntyre, Fleetwood, Hovland and Hatton) and the next four spots could go to anyone.

Rai, Rose, A Fitzpatrick, Straka, N Hojgaard and Reitan all have big advantages as they're in the Signature Events next year. Lowry, crucially, isn't, but I believe he will be able to make the team based on experience and I just can't imagine him not being there in his home country.

I also think the legendary Justin Rose will do enough for one final European appearance, and back Rai and Alex Fitzpatrick to impress enough Stateside next year.

I had a top 18-20 for each team, and my Americans to just miss out were DeChambeau, Brennan, Bhatia, Spaun, Bridgeman, Gerard and Knapp. My closest Europeans were Straka, N Hojgaard, Reitan, Chacarra, Puig, Detry and Ballester.

After trying to pick my teams, I am genuinely excited to watch the Ryder Cup race unfold as it could go either way. There is also the prospect of some surprise players who can have break-out seasons. Bring on 2027!

A close up of Matt Cradock
Matt Cradock
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Header Cell - Column 0

Team Europe

Team USA

Row 0 - Cell 0

Rory McIlroy

Scottie Scheffler

Row 1 - Cell 0

Jon Rahm

Bryson DeChambeau

Row 2 - Cell 0

Matt Fitzpatrick

Cameron Young

Row 3 - Cell 0

Tommy Fleetwood

Wyndham Clark

Row 4 - Cell 0

Shane Lowry

Justin Thomas

Row 5 - Cell 0

Tyrrell Hatton

Chris Gotterup

Row 6 - Cell 0

Robert MacIntyre

Sam Burns

Row 7 - Cell 0

Justin Rose

Xander Schauffele

Row 8 - Cell 0

Ludvig Aberg

Collin Morikawa

Row 9 - Cell 0

Viktor Hovland

Patrick Cantlay

Row 10 - Cell 0

Aaron Rai

Patrick Reed

Row 11 - Cell 0

Kristoffer Reitan

Jackson Koivun

In my opinion, at least 80% of Team Europe is already confirmed for 2027 and, from now until then, it will come down to the form book of next season to decide who else joins them.

Europe's pairings write themselves and have been the key reason for their success. The two new additions I'm making, though, are Aaron Rai and Kristoffer Reitan, who have enjoyed excellent seasons in 2026 and continue to get better.

Both are strong drivers of the golf ball, meaning they'd suit a foursomes format well. What's more, both have earned big wins this year, showcasing that they have what it takes to perform on the biggest stage.

I'll admit some notable names miss out, such as Sepp Straka, the Hojgaards and Alex Fitzpatrick, but based off the big victories and all-round game, I think Rai and Reitan will join the remaining 10 European players.

Aaron Rai at The Open

England's Aaron Rai enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2026

(Image credit: Getty Images)

In reference to Team USA, I'll admit there are some interesting choices in this side and, personally, this was harder to decide on than the European team, given the mix of names and varying form they all possess.

The Presidents Cup threw up some quandaries and, based off his performance, I think Jackson Koivun has shown he's ready for the big stage and a Ryder Cup.

Patrick Reed will be returning to the PGA Tour soon, which will be a help for the American side given his Ryder Cup record, while the likes of Chris Gotterup and Cameron Young impressed at Medinah a few weeks ago.

Bryson DeChambeau is perhaps the rogue choice. On his day, he makes the team easily but, with the ongoing saga with LIV Golf, that will be a key part of his future plans. Either way, when you're on away soil, you need inspiration, and a fired up DeChambeau is the player to do just that.

Notable names to miss out include Russell Henley, who seems to struggle in the team events. JJ Spaun has been superb of late, but I think he'll need to earn an automatic spot to be picked, while the old guard of Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler might be involved at the Ryder Cup, albeit only in a vice captaincy role.

Let us know who you think will be in both Ryder Cup teams in the comments box below, or share your thoughts on whose teams you think will be the closest.

Jonny Leighfield
News Writer

Jonny Leighfield is our Staff News Writer who joined Golf Monthly just in time for the 2023 Solheim Cup and Ryder Cup. He graduated from the University of Brighton with a degree in Sport Journalism in 2017 and spent almost five years as the sole sports reporter at his local newspaper. During his time with Golf Monthly, Jonny has interviewed several stars of the game, including Robert MacIntyre, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, and Joaquin Niemann. An improving golfer himself, Jonny enjoys learning as much about the game as he can and recently reached his Handicap goal of 18 for the first time.

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