Who are the most experienced players at this year’s Ryder Cup?

The 2023 renewal of the Ryder Cup is just around the corner and the pressure is beginning to mount on Europe and the United States as they gear up to go head-to-head at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club on the outskirts of Rome.

Luke Donald and Zach Johnson have confirmed their sides, and the respective captains will be relying on their experienced professionals in Italy as both teams have four Ryder Cup debutants, while a further four Americans and two Europeans will be making their maiden appearance this side of the Atlantic.

The USA are the favourites in the Ryder Cup odds. However, with so many tournament rookies and inexperienced players descending on Rome, it could come down to who holds their nerve best out of the more seasoned pros.

That said, read on as we take a look at some of the most experienced players from both sides at this year’s Ryder Cup.

Rory McIlroy – Europe

The most experienced player out in Italy will be Team Europe’s Rory McIlroy. The Northern Irishman is due to make his seventh Ryder Cup appearance and he has won the gold chalice four times in his previous six outings. The World No.2 boasts a record of 12-12-4 (5-5-1 in foursomes, 4-5-2 in four-ball and 3-2-1 in singles).

Justin Rose – Europe

Having been overlooked by Padraig Harrington at Whistling Straits in 2021, Justin Rose returns to the fold as one of Donald’s captain’s picks. Prior to being left at home two years ago, the Englishman featured in five Ryder Cups between 2008 and 2018. The 43-year-old has a fine record as well at 13-8-2 (7-2-1 in foursomes, 4-4 in four-ball and 2-2-1 in singles).

Rickie Fowler – USA

Another player recalled after being left out at Whistling Straits, this will be Rickie Fowler’s fifth Ryder Cup appearance of his career. The 34-year-old had something of a resurgence in 2023 to earn a captain’s pick, but Fowler’s record in this tournament might be a cause for concern. The No.26-ranked player’s record reads 3-7-5 (1-3-2 in foursomes, 1-2-2 in four-ball and 1-2-1 in singles).

Jordan Spieth – USA

Also making his fifth Ryder Cup appearance, Jordan Spieth has been a key player for the United States at each of the last four renewals and will be hugely influential for Johnson’s side in Italy. The three-time major winner hasn’t been in the best of form lately, but that could go out the window here. Spieth’s record at the Ryder Cup is 8-7-3 (3-2-2 in foursomes, 5-2 in four-ball and 0-3-1 in singles).

Brooks Koepka – USA

The only LIV Golf representative at the Ryder Cup, Johnson had free reign to call up players from the controversial Saudi-led breakaway league. However, Brooks Koepka was the only one to make the cut after an incredible year that saw him win his fifth major and finish second at the Masters. The 33-year-old has a record of 6-5-1 (2-2 in foursomes, 2-3 in four-ball and 2-0-1 in singles).