Captain Luke Donald believes his European Ryder Cup hopefuls will get a boost from the start of qualification when the race to make the team for Bethpage gets under way on Thursday.
This week's Betfred British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo on the DP World Tour presents the first opportunity for players to earn points through the new-look qualification system, with six automatic spots available for Europe's trophy defence in New York next year.
Donald - who led Europe to a 16½ - 11½ triumph in Rome in 2023 - will then have six Captain's Picks to complete his team, which is hunting a first away win for either side since the Miracle of Medinah 12 years ago.
He qualified for that team in 2012 but has also twice been a pick in his four victorious playing appearances, so knows all about the pressure and incentive of the qualifying campaign.
"It's exciting for me to see the points race starting," he said. "As a player, I remember when that started and I was very excited about getting going again, and it kind of gave me an extra boost.
"And actually having a chat with Sir Nick, he was saying (in) Ryder Cup years, when the points started, even if I was 30th, I would grind to the last few holes to see if I could get 20 more points.
"You think about these things now and I think that's exciting for the players."
He added: "There's certain things that we did last year that will stay in place and there's certain new things that we'll need to put in place because it's a different challenge, different scenario.
"So I think playing away presents different issues so you've got to come with some different things to think about. But plans are already very much under way."
This week's venue of The Belfry is synonymous with the Ryder Cup, having played host four times as well as hosting numerous DP World Tour events over the years.
Some Seve magic at @TheBelfryHotel's driveable 10th hole 😏 pic.twitter.com/iMN3iCDRJu
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) August 27, 2024
It is remarkable to learn, then, that Donald has not actually played it himself and he is excited to finally tee it up at the storied venue.
"Obviously I've watched many Ryder Cups and events at this place but never actually played an event or played the course," he said.
"Got to play nine holes today (Tuesday), nine holes on Monday and yeah, it's great. Excited to be here and playing a British Masters.
"You've obviously got the famous holes like ten and 18 and you know, those are the two iconic holes. Ten is just a fabulous short par four. It's a really great risk-reward hole.
"And 18, that's a beast and quite slopey greens, actually. Quite surprised how much slope the greens have on them. It's a pretty good test and hopefully will be a fun week."
Click here to find out how players can qualifiy for the 2025 European Ryder Cup team.
