A look at the European team for the 38th Ryder Cup matches. Players listed in the order they made the team on points:
LEE WESTWOOD
Age: 37.
Country: England.
World ranking: 3.
Ryder Cup teams: 6.
Ryder Cup record: 14-10-5.
Career victories: 30.
2010 victories: St. Jude Classic.
2010 majors: Masters-2, US Open-T16, British Open-2, US PGA-DNP.
Noteworthy: Europe’s best player has declared himself fit following a calf injury that has sidelined him for the past six weeks. Likely to be paired with one of the rookies, possibly PGA Champion Martin Kaymer.
RORY McILROY
Age: 21.
Country: Northern Ireland.
World ranking: 8.
Ryder Cup teams: Rookie.
Career victories: 2.
2010 victories: Quail Hollow Championship.
2010 majors: Masters-Cut, US Open-Cut, British Open-T3, US PGA-T3.
Noteworthy: At times he can be explosive (see final round 62 at Quail Hollow, opening 63 at St. Andrews) or awful (see second round 79 at St. Andrews). Youngest European player since Garcia in ’99. A lock to be paired with fellow Ulsterman Graeme McDowell.
MARTIN KAYMER
Age: 25.
Country: Germany.
World ranking: 5.
Ryder Cup teams: Rookie.
Career victories: 7.
Majors: U.S. PGA Championship (1).
2010 victories: Abu Dhabi Championship, U.S. PGA Championship, KLM Open.
2010 majors: Masters-Cut, US Open-T8, British Open-T7, US PGA-Won.
Noteworthy: The quiet German is a sleeper pick to be Europe’s leading points earner this week. His game has no weaknesses and he showed what he’s made of by making a 15-footer to get into a playoff at the PGA. Has 7 career wins in just four years on the European Tour.
More Ryder Cup Coverage: Ryder Cup Primer | Team USA capsules
GRAEME McDOWELL
Age: 31.
Country: Northern Ireland.
World ranking: 13.
Ryder Cup teams: 1
Ryder Cup record: 2-1-1.
Career victories: 6.
Majors: U.S. Open (1).
2010 victories: Wales Open, U.S. Open.
2010 majors: Masters-Cut, US Open-Won, British Open-T23, US PGA-Cut.
Noteworthy: The U.S. Open champion has admitted to struggling with fatigue of late, but claims he’s ready to go this week. Streaky player, was one of Nick Faldo’s top performers two years ago at Valhalla in his Ryder Cup debut.
IAN POULTER
Age: 34.
Country: England.
World ranking: 14.
Ryder Cup teams: 2.
Ryder Cup record: 5-2.
Career victories: 9.
Majors: None.
2010 victories: WGC-Match Play Championship.
2010 majors: Masters-T10, US Open-T47, British Open-T60, US PGA-WD.
Noteworthy: Poulter seems made for match play, as evidenced by his World Golf Championship earlier this year and 4-1 record two years ago at Valhalla. Colin Montgomerie’s Twitter ban might be the most upsetting news he hears all week.
ROSS FISHER
Age: 29.
Country: England.
World ranking: 27.
Ryder Cup teams: Rookie.
Career victories: 4.
Majors: None.
2010 victories: Irish Open.
2010 majors: Masters-Cut, US Open-Cut, British Open-T37, US PGA-Cut.
Noteworthy: A year ago, Fisher was knocking on the Top 10 of the world rankings, but following a slow start to 2010, sneaked onto the side thanks to a mid-summer victory at the Irish Open. A likely foursomes partner with his countryman, Luke Donald.
FRANCESCO MOLINARI
Age: 27.
Country: Italy.
World ranking: 33.
Ryder Cup teams: Rookie.
Career victories: 1.
2010 victories: None.
2010 majors: Masters-T30, US Open-Cut, British Open-Cut, US PGA-T33.
Noteworthy: The older of the Molinari brothers, Francesco is one of only two European players without a victory in 2010, though he has nine top-10s this year. Won World Cup last fall with his brother.
MIGUEL ANGEL JIMENEZ
Age: 46.
Country: Spain.
World ranking: 26.
Ryder Cup teams: 3.
Ryder Cup record: 2-3-7.
Career victories: 18.
2010 victories: Dubai Desert Classic, French Open, European Masters.
2010 majors: Masters-T12, US Open-Cut, British Open-T27, US PGA-Cut.
Noteworthy: After a winless in 2009, “The Mechanic,” has bounced back with three wins in 2010, to make it 11 since turning 40. One of the more popular players among his teammates, he can be paired with anyone.
PETER HANSON
Age: 32.
Country: Sweden.
World ranking: 42.
Ryder Cup teams: Rookie.
Career victories: 4.
2010 victories: Mallorca Open, Czech Open.
2010 majors: Masters-DNP, US Open-T16, British Open-T37, US PGA-T58.
Noteworthy: The lone Swede on the squad sneaked past Paul Casey into the final qualifying position on the team. Withdrew from last week’s event in France with a chest infection.
LUKE DONALD (Captain’s Pick)
Age: 32.
Country: England.
World ranking: 9.
Ryder Cup teams: 2.
Ryder Cup record: 5-1-1.
Career victories: 5.
Majors: None.
2010 victories: Madrid Masters.
2010 majors: Masters-Cut, US Open-T47, British Open-T11, US PGA-T46.
Noteworthy: The ultra-steady Donald has lost only one time in seven matches in his two Ryder Cups, but this time he’ll have to make do without his usual foursomes partner, Sergio Garcia.
PADRAIG HARRINGTON (Captain’s Pick)
Age: 39.
Country: Ireland.
World ranking: 22.
Ryder Cup teams: 5.
Ryder Cup record: 7-11-3.
Career victories: 17.
Majors: British Open (2), US PGA Championship (1).
2010 victories: None.
2010 majors: Masters-Cut, US Open-T22, British Open-Cut, US PGA-Cut.
Noteworthy: Easily the the most controversial of Montgomerie’s three picks, Harrington hasn’t won in over two years, despite several close calls. Showed form last week in France by going 13-under on the weekend, including a final-round 64.
EDOARDO MOLINARI (Captain’s Pick)
Age: 29.
Country: Italy.
World ranking: 16.
Ryder Cup teams: Rookie.
Career victories: 5.
Majors: None.
2010 victories: Scottish Open, Johnnie Walker Championship.
2010 majors: Masters-Cut, US Open-T47, British Open-T27, US PGA-T33.
Noteworthy: Might be the best player in the world no one has heard of. The former U.S. Amateur champion closed with three birdies to win at Gleneagles, and become a captain’s pick an hour later.
Stats from THE ASSOCIATED PRESS