Ryder Cup 2023: Irish Star Needs a Helping Hand from Donald

Republic of Ireland golfer Shane Lowry will need a favour from Luke Donald if he is to feature for Team Europe at this year’s Ryder Cup.

Lowry’s chances of earning an automatic spot ended after he missed the cut at the Czech Masters and he now needs Donald to make him a captain’s pick.

The Irishman has been inconsistent in recent weeks but will feel he deserves a spot given he is eighth on the world points list and tenth in the European standings.

In a recent interview with the Beyond the Clubhouse podcast, Donald indicated that Lowry’s current form may not impact his chances of being selected.

“Shane brings a lot to the team room,” Donald said. “I think he’s a great energy – he absolutely loved the experience of Whistling Straits despite the result, which I think shows a lot.

“Obviously, winning is important, but he enjoyed what the Ryder Cup is about. It’s coming together as a team unit.

“His game fell off a little bit three or four months ago – struggling a little bit on the greens. Steadily, he’s been a lot better. He’s starting to play some really good golf. He’s had some good performances in the Majors.

“I’ve played quite a few practice rounds with him in tournaments and his game looks really solid. I wouldn’t have any worries about where he is with this game and I think he’s in a good spot.”

Donald will be eager to assemble the strongest possible line-up for this year’s Ryder Cup as Europe strive to gain their revenge against the United States.

Europe were demolished 19-9 in 2021 – the largest margin of victory since European players joined the competition in 1979.

Online bookmakers have backed the US to retain the trophy, installing them as 4/5 favourites to win on European soil for the first time in 32 years.

Given that record, odds of 6/4 for Team Europe to win on the best Irish betting sites will undoubtedly entice punters seeking a value wager.

Comparison websites, which feature in-depth reviews of reliable sportsbooks operators, will help you find the best prices in the run up to the tournament.

In addition to Lowry’s possible inclusion in the European squad, Irish golf bettors will also be keeping a close eye on Rory McIlroy’s fitness over the next few weeks.

The Northern Irishman failed in his quest to win a fourth FedExCup title last weekend, eventually finishing fourth behind runaway winner Viktor Hovland.

McIlroy has been troubled by a muscular injury in his back, but expects to be fully fit to compete in the Irish Open at the K Club in early September.

He won the tournament the last time it was staged at the course in 2016 and is among the bookies’ favourites to repeat the trick this year.

The Team Europe squad will feature in the tournament as they strive to put the finishing touches to their individual preparations for the Ryder Cup.

McIlroy believes the event will provide an ideal opportunity for the team to bond ahead of what promises to be a thrilling encounter against the US.

“I think we’re all excited,” McIlroy told Sky Sports. “There’s a lot of us that were in that team at Whistling Straights and that didn’t feel very nice – didn’t feel good.

“So, yeah, I’m excited to get back over to Europe. We’re all sort of making our way over to Europe a couple weeks early.

“It will be nice to all get together, get some early team dinners before the week in Rome and sort of really feel like that sort of team chemistry is starting already.

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