The most notable player missing from this year’s European Ryder Cup team was Sergio Garcia.
The Spaniard has featured in 10 Ryder Cups and holds the all-time points record with 28.5.
Captain Luke Donald has omitted him from two consecutive teams, despite the player earning three points during his last appearance at Whistling Straits in 2021.
Sergio Garcia shares words of support for European Ryder Cup squad
Garcia had a strong start to the 2025 season on the LIV Golf circuit, highlighted by his win in Hong Kong in March.
That early form put him firmly in the mix for selection, but a quieter spell later in the year saw him miss out.
Even so, Garcia was quick to back Luke Donald’s side ahead of their title defence.
“Tomorrow starts what, in my opinion, is the best tournament in our sport, the Ryder Cup.
“I can’t wait to watch and cheer on Team Europe as they defend the Cup. Hope to be part of the team again in the future! Go Team Europe,” he posted on X.
Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal back Team Europe
Messages of support from athletes and celebrities came in for both the United States and European teams ahead of the Ryder Cup.
Among the most notable for the Europeans were tennis greats Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal, who shared a video together from a golf course.
“Hello everybody, from the golf course here in Mallorca,” Federer said. “I wanted to wish you all the very best for the Ryder Cup.
“We are behind you, and maybe in the future, we will have a new player on the team (Rafa Nadal).”
Nadal also took a moment to back Team Europe before play got underway at Bethpage Black.
“I’m a very big fan of golf, so I’m going to enjoy watching you guys a lot. I think it’s going to be amazing. It’s an opportunity to show your best golf.
“I’m sure you’re going to try very hard because we need to win there in New York. All the best. We will be supporting.”
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