The golfing community is abuzz with excitement for the upcoming patriotic showdown. This weekend in Rome, Europe and the USA will clash, competing for Ryder Cup prestige and pride. While the Americans aim to retain their Ryder Cup title, Europe is keen to recover from their 2021 Whistling Straits defeat.

The captains’ pick stirred debates in the golfing circle. Amid the questions about Justin Thomas joining this year’s US Ryder Cup team, European captain Luke Donald, despite Rory McIlroy’s concerns, rather showed a carefree, unbothered attitude.

Luke Donald minds his own business

During the pre-tournament interview on Tuesday at Macro Simone, Rome, when Luke Donald was questioned about Zach Johnson’s picks for America, whether he and his vice-captains anticipated the choices, especially regarding Justin Thomas given his form, he replied that Zach is aware of what he is doing. 

He added, ” I wasn’t really paying too much attention. No, that’s again a situation that’s out of my control.” He further added, “But Justin Thomas has played two Ryder Cups, and obviously they feel like, despite some inconsistent play, which he would say he had, that he brings a lot to the team room.”

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It is clear Donald is least bothered by what is going on in the opposition camp. He reiterates:  “…Again, Zach obviously knows what he’s doing. To be honest, I was more concentrated on my team rather than what they were doing.”

In a recent podcast, Rory discussed the chatter around Justin Thomas being a focal point for the captain’s picks, mentioning, “I felt the conversation around [Thomas being selected as a captain’s pick] was completely unjustified.”

McIlroy on Justin Thomas’ Role and the Ryder Cup Showdown

Recently on Golf.com’s Subpar Podcast with Colt Knost and Drew Stoltz, McIlroy expressed his perspective as a European player. Talking about JT, he said: “Honestly there are other guys on that team that I’d rather face than JT.” Despite JT not having the most stellar year, McIlroy believes that Thomas is still among the top contenders the US would rely on.

‘Losing Is Nothing New to JT’: Justin Thomas Hilariously Turns Punching Bag for Ryder Cup Teammates Following Latest Setback

What do you make of Luke Donald’s claims? Do you really think he wasn’t bothered about the American picks? Or it’s just some mind games? Let us know in the comments section below.

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