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Shane Lowry secures Ryder Cup spot as wildcard; Seamus Power misses out

Shane Lowry will play in his second Ryder Cup in Rome later after being selected as a wildcard by European captain Luke Donald.

Due to the Offaly native's missed cut at the Czech Masters last week, Lowry's chances of automatic qualification for the event in Rome this month were ended. However, Donald has selected the former Irish Open champion as one of six wildcards for the event.

Lowry, speaking after the announcement was made, said, "I'm incredibly proud and grateful, and very excited for Rome."

The US won the last event 19-9 at Whistling Straits in 2021, and Lowry is keen to get things right this time around. "The last one hurt a little bit, and I’m excited for a home Ryder Cup. I’m very grateful that Luke has given me the opportunity to go there and show what I can do again."

Can't wait to play my first home Ryder Cup @RyderCupEurope 🇪🇺💪🏻 pic.twitter.com/NiatjDbTN2

— Shane Lowry (@ShaneLowryGolf) September 4, 2023

Team Captain Donald remarked that Lowry's performance in 2021 was one of the sole factors for his inclusion. "We saw in Whistling Straits the passion, the videos of the fist pumping the putts," he added. "We know he’s a big-time player. He’s won an Open Championship, he’s won at Wentworth."

"On those big occasions against the best players, he turns up in those moments. We saw his passion two years ago, and we’re super excited to have him as part of the team because he is great in a team as well."

Unfortunately, Seamus Power did not make the Ryder Cup team because of injury. The Waterford man will miss this week's Horizon Irish Open.

The two-time PGA Tour winner has had issues with his hip for much of the 2023 season.

The Ryder Cup will start on Friday, September 29, and end on Sunday, October 1, 2023.

Team Europe 2023: