Ryder Cup Risers: Who Improved Their Stock After Royal Portrush?

With the season’s final major behind us, the focus now turns to the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, as captains finalize their assessments of players peaking at the perfect moment. The Open Championship at Royal Portrush delivered clarity on both sides, showcasing who could handle Major pressure with Ryder Cup stakes looming. Team USA, under the unique leadership of potential playing Captain Keegan Bradley, saw several players raise their hands for selection, while European Captain Luke Donald witnessed rising talent step forward at precisely the right time. With the Ryder Cup now mere weeks away, here’s a closer look at players whose performances at Portrush significantly enhanced their chances of teeing it up at Bethpage Black.

Team USA Risers

Harris English: Veteran Experience at the Right Moment

Harris English entered Royal Portrush in need of a significant week, and he delivered exactly that with an impressive top-10 finish, finishing solo second. Demonstrating his trademark calm demeanor and steady ball-striking, English reassured Captain Keegan Bradley that he remains a reliable veteran presence for Team USA. English’s composed play under challenging links conditions highlighted the consistency and clutch putting skills that could prove invaluable in a tense Ryder Cup atmosphere. With his previous Ryder Cup experience and a timely return to form, English now firmly positions himself as a strong candidate for selection, if he doesn’t automatically qualify. As Captain Bradley weighs his options, English’s veteran leadership and steady nerves could become even more valuable at Bethpage Black.

Wyndham Clark: Rediscovering Form When it Matters Most

Wyndham Clark has had an uneven 2025, but his strong top-five finish at Royal Portrush could not have come at a better time. Known for his exceptional length and aggressive playing style, Clark showcased an impressive ability to adapt his game to demanding conditions, impressing observers and likely Captain Bradley. His disciplined approach and ability to control his ball flight on a challenging course emphasized his maturity and readiness for Ryder Cup pressure. Clark’s resurgence at the Scottish Open and the Open Championship provides him a crucial momentum boost, and he now re-enters the Ryder Cup conversation with renewed credibility. If he can sustain this form, Clark may find himself securing one of the remaining spots at Bethpage Black.

Chris Gotterup: A Rising Talent Captures Attention

Few players improved their Ryder Cup credentials across the pond more notably than Chris Gotterup. The powerful young American recorded an impressive solo third finish at the Open Championship and a win at the Scottish Open, showcasing his potential as a future star for Team USA. Gotterup’s ability to handle the unique challenges of links golf in his Open debut provided clear evidence of his adaptability under pressure, critical for Ryder Cup competition. Captain Keegan Bradley now has another intriguing option, a player whose youthful energy and aggressive mentality could provide a critical spark in match play. Gotterup’s breakout performance at Royal Portrush puts him firmly in contention for a Captain’s pick, especially as Bradley considers fresh talent to energize Team USA.

Keegan Bradley: Captain and Competitor

In perhaps the most unique storyline of the Ryder Cup buildup, Keegan Bradley, the current U.S. captain, also significantly boosted his own playing credentials with a respectable T-30 finish at Royal Portrush. Already in consideration as the first playing captain in decades, Bradley’s performance in recent weeks should reassure skeptics that he can handle the demands of competing and captaining simultaneously. With European captain Luke Donald agreeing to allow the U.S. team to temporarily hand off captaincy duties to an assistant during matches Bradley plays, his stellar form becomes even more meaningful. Bradley’s inspired play showcases his capability as both leader and competitor, setting the stage for one of the most compelling storylines in recent Ryder Cup history.

Team Europe Risers

Matt Fitzpatrick: Finding His Form at a Crucial Moment

Matt Fitzpatrick came into Royal Portrush needing a strong showing after an inconsistent stretch, and he delivered emphatically with a top-five finish. His exceptional short game and strategic approach on the challenging links reaffirmed why he's been such an asset to previous European Ryder Cup teams. Fitzpatrick’s renewed confidence and form under Major Championship pressure gives Captain Luke Donald a key veteran option capable of delivering vital points at Bethpage. Fitzpatrick's return to championship-level golf just weeks before team selection cements him as a cornerstone player for Team Europe. After Royal Portrush, Fitzpatrick’s Ryder Cup spot feels far more secure, adding depth to the European squad as they prepare for the U.S. challenge.

Rasmus Hojgaard: Solidifying His Ryder Cup Candidacy

Denmark’s Rasmus Hojgaard made an impactful statement at Royal Portrush with a noteworthy top-20 finish, elevating his already solid Ryder Cup profile considerably. The talented young player demonstrated poise, creativity, and maturity in the intense pressure of a major championship, qualities essential for the unique demands of match play. Captain Luke Donald, eager to blend experience and youth, likely sees Rasmus as a compelling choice to energize the European side. His power and fearless attitude fit well with Bethpage’s challenging layout, making him a promising candidate. With his performance at Royal Portrush, Rasmus has improved his Ryder Cup stock and positioned himself as a strong candidate to represent Europe.

Nicolai Hojgaard: Stepping Up in the Spotlight

Matching his brother’s timely rise, Nicolai Hojgaard delivered a crucial top-20 finish at Royal Portrush to reaffirm his Ryder Cup credentials. Known for his impressive driving and shot-making ability, Nicolai’s steady play in challenging conditions underlined his readiness for big-stage competition. Having previously represented Europe in the 2023 Ryder Cup, his familiarity with match-play intensity and team dynamics further strengthens his case. Captain Luke Donald will undoubtedly appreciate Nicolai’s combination of experience, current form, and youthful energy as he builds his team. His strong showing at Royal Portrush places Nicolai firmly back into the Ryder Cup selection conversation, potentially joining his brother in a compelling family storyline.

John Parry: Emerging at the Perfect Time

One of Europe’s most pleasant surprises at Royal Portrush was the impressive breakthrough by England’s John Parry. Relatively unknown at the start of 2025, Parry’s top-20 finish at the Open Championship drew significant attention from European Ryder Cup leadership. His composed performance under pressure, highlighted by precise iron play and consistent putting, showed he is more than capable of handling the Ryder Cup’s demands. With Europe always searching for fresh talent to revitalize their roster, Parry’s performance provides Captain Luke Donald with a compelling new candidate. His rapid emergence at Royal Portrush couldn’t have been better timed, elevating him from an outsider to a genuine Ryder Cup hopeful.

Final Thoughts

Royal Portrush provided essential clarity for Ryder Cup captains Keegan Bradley and Luke Donald, with several players dramatically boosting their stock. For Team USA, Harris English, Wyndham Clark, Chris Gotterup, and playing captain Keegan Bradley himself have strengthened their cases considerably. Meanwhile, Team Europe saw Matt Fitzpatrick, the Hojgaard twins, and John Perry assert their credentials impressively. As the countdown to Bethpage Black continues, these timely surges add compelling intrigue to Ryder Cup team selections, highlighting the depth and excitement of both squads. With only weeks remaining, every shot now matters, not just for personal glory, but for the chance to compete in golf’s most thrilling team competition.