The teams for the GB&I vs Continental Europe ‘Team Cup’ in Abu Dhabi this January have mostly been revealed.
Captains Justin Rose and Francesco Molinari, with Ryder Cup leader Luke Donald, have picked nine players each; one more will join after the Nedbank Golf Challenge next month.
This event is a warm-up for the Ryder Cup, where Luke Donald will be checking out potential stars. In 2023, six players from this competition ended up playing in Rome later that year.
Last time, Molinari’s team won against Tommy Fleetwood’s GB&I with a score of 14.5-10.5. Both captains will also play this time around. The Italian squad features the Hojgaard twins, PGA Tour champ Matthieu Pavon, and past Ryder Cup player Thorbjorn Olesen. At least half of his team hails from Denmark, including Niklas Norgaard and Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
Fans might think it’s exciting to see such a mix of talent on both sides.
Meanwhile, Justin Rose’s lineup boasts LIV Golf’s Tyrrell Hatton and former captain Tommy Fleetwood. Joining them are PGA Tour winners Aaron Rai and Matt Wallace. Paul Waring, who recently won in Abu Dhabi, Laurie Canter, Tom McKibbin, and Jordan Smith round out the team.
Team Cup: GB&I and Continental Europe Teams
The matches will be held at Abu Dhabi Golf Resort from January 10-12. Friday kicks off with fourballs; Saturday has two sessions of foursomes; Sunday wraps up with singles matches—everyone plays each day!
Here’s what Luke Donald had to say: “Fran, Justin and I are really excited by the two teams which will assemble at the Team Cup in January,” he said enthusiastically. “There’s a great mix of youth and experience on both sides.”
He added that last year’s event gave important insights into who might make it to Marco Simone—and possibly New York City next year!
So what do you think? Are these teams ready for action?
