The 2027 Ryder Cup is some way away, but European captain Luke Donald will already be firmly focused on the players he will want involved.
And it’s fair to say that Aaron Rai is now in contention for a place at Adare Manor following his success at the PGA Championship.
Rai won the PGA Championship at Aronimink by three shots, edging out American Alex Smalley and European Ryder Cup ace Jon Rahm.
Having settled his issues with the DP World Tour, the Spaniard is set to continue his presence in the team in 2027.
But who could join the former world number one in Donald’s European Ryder Cup team in Ireland next September?
How the 2027 European Ryder Cup team could look
Donald also competed at the PGA Championship at Aronimink, where many of his potential players would have been doing their utmost to catch his attention despite these very early stages.
But there is seemingly already an impressive spine that will retain their spots from the superb victory in 2025 at Bethpage Black.
That extremely strong core includes Rory McIlroy, Rahm, Justin Rose, Tommy Fleetwood, Ludvig Aberg and Matt Fitzpatrick.
Arguably just behind them but very likely to be involved are Shane Lowry, Tyrrell Hatton, Robert MacIntyre and perhaps now Rai following his major win.
And that could mean a hugely competitive fight for the last two places in the 12-man team, which at this stage could involve a long list of players, namely Viktor Hovland.
Nicolai Hojgaard and his brother Rasmus Hojgaard could also be in that battle, along with Kristoffer Reitan, Sepp Straka and perhaps even Alex Fitzpatrick.
Luke Donald surely heading for final Ryder Cup outing
Now heading for his third stint as European Ryder Cup captain, Donald oversaw just one change between his first two teams.
Rasmus Hojgaard replaced Nicolai Hojgaard at Bethpage Black, where the visitors stunned the hosts with a 15-13 win.
But it seems that the side will look very different at Adare Manor, where the USA will be out to stop Europe from completing three successive victories.
Jim Furyk is the USA’s Ryder Cup captain for the tournament, after which Donald will surely step aside from his duties in the role regardless of the result.
He will, of course, want to go out on a high note should that be his fate, although he has already etched his name into European Ryder Cup history with his superb feats so far.
Read more:
Aaron Rai makes comment about Tiger Woods after winning the PGA Championship
Jim Furyk admits the ‘glaring problem’ Team USA have at the Ryder Cup that needs to be addressed
Aaron Rai makes PGA Championship history with stunning victory at Aronimink
