Luke Donald's Ryder Cup captain's picks slammed by tour veteran: "What's the point?"

DP World Tour veteran Pablo Larrazabal took a dim view of Luke Donald's captain's picks for the 2025 Ryder Cup matches. 

Donald named his six wildcards for the showdown at Bethpage Black on 1 September. 

The former World No.1 went for experience and continuity, retaining 11 out of the 12 players that defeated the U.S. in Italy two years ago. 

Donald has selected Shane Lowry, Jon Rahm, Sepp Straka, Viktor Hovland, Ludvig Aberg and Matthew Fitzpatrick.

They join automatic qualifiers Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Tommy Fleetwood, Robert MacIntyre, Tyrrell Hatton and Rasmus Hojgaard.

Whilst Donald cannot be accused of any outrageous snubs, there are a few players that will feel disappointed they won't get the opportunity to represent Europe in a few weeks' time. 

Matt Wallace - who could not get through his post-round interview after his near miss in Switzerland last week - came agonisingly close once again. 

Donald told reporters today, including GolfMagic, that he informed Wallace he did not make the team moments after he finished third at Crans-sur-Sierre.

Harry Hall, who has been in splendid form on the PGA Tour this season, was also overlooked.

And Marco Penge will have felt he made a strong case for inclusion given his form over the last three months. 

Sergio Garcia also told our Andy Roberts he was disappointed that Donald did not hand him the opportunity to make an 11th Ryder Cup appearance.

Garcia has now decided not to play in this week's Irish Open, citing the fact it will be 'mentally tough' as he will not be fully engaged in the tournament. 

Larrazabal wasn't happy with Donald's decision to overlook the golfers that primarily ply their trade on the DP World Tour. 

He wrote on X: "Again. @RyderCupEurope team will go with what captain Luke thinks is the best team. 

"0'0 players that play European Tour schedule so what's the point?

"Marco Penge deserved a pick and Wallace deserved a pick but only 12 men play. Good luck in NJ."

Later, Larrazabal sarcastically added that if Donald wanted experience he should've picked 61-year-old Miguel Angel Jiménez

Jiménez featured in four Ryder Cup teams and has served as a vice captain on three occasions. 

"Why are you not taking Miguel Angel Jiménez that won four times this year and is not going to miss a shot," Larrazabal wrote, referencing his wins on the PGA Tour Champions.

Matt Wallace reacts to Ryder Cup disappointment

Wallace, 35, will have to wait another two years before he has another crack at qualifying for Team Europe. 

Donald did not address Wallace's omission directly on Monday. 

But the skipper said it was difficult calling the unfortunate players that came up short after 'playing their hearts out' for 12 months. 

Wallace wrote on X: "Big congratulations and best of luck to Europe's Ryder Cup team heading for Bethpage. 

"I'll be watching and supporting and know the boys can bring the trophy home.

"For me now, this chapter closes. A new one is just around the corner. I feel my game has been in good shape over the last few months. 

"I've put so much into this campaign and I made getting to Bethpage, a course I know well, my goal. Ultimately it wasn't to be for me this time.

"I can't tell you how much I appreciate all of the support and messages after yesterday. 

"It was a combination of any final chance slipping away and coming up short in a tournament I have come to love and was desperate to defend."

Wallace has confirmed he will still be in the field for the BMW PGA Championship next week at Wentworth.