The countdown is nearly over—this Friday, September 26, the Ryder Cup tees off at Bethpage Black in New York. While golf fans debate whether Team Europe or Team USA will come out on top, it’s not just the players making the trip across the Atlantic. Many of Europe’s stars have been joined by their partners, who will be cheering them on every step of the way.
Here’s a closer look at the supportive spouses and partners standing alongside Team Europe this year:
Luke Donald and Diane Antonopoulos
Team Europe’s captain is backed by his wife, Diane Antonopoulos, whom he met while studying at Northwestern University in Illinois. The couple married in 2007 in Santorini, Greece, and now share three daughters. Beyond being a visible supporter, Diane has played an active role in Ryder Cup preparations—organizing events and even hosting a team dinner earlier this year.
Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll
Eight years married, Rory McIlroy is once again joined by Erica Stoll. The pair first crossed paths at the 2012 Ryder Cup, though romance didn’t spark until 2014. Their relationship made headlines in 2024 when McIlroy filed for divorce, only for the couple to reconcile weeks later. Since then, they’ve been inseparable, with Erica by Rory’s side at his historic Career Grand Slam win at Augusta National. The couple recently settled into a new home in Surrey’s exclusive Wentworth estate.
Ludvig Åberg and Olivia Peet
Swedish rising star Ludvig Åberg is quietly supported by his girlfriend, Olivia Peet, a former Texas Tech University tennis player. The daughter of ex-pro Chris Peet, Olivia first appeared publicly with Ludvig at the 2023 Ryder Cup.
Matt Fitzpatrick and Katherine Gaal
Matt Fitzpatrick’s love story with Katherine Gaal moved fast. After meeting in 2022, the pair went public in early 2023, were engaged later that year, and tied the knot in October 2024. Katherine, a Penn State graduate in finance and broadcast journalism, works as a regional marketing manager in the U.S.
Tommy Fleetwood and Clare Craig
Fleetwood’s marriage to Clare Craig almost never happened. Clare, his former manager, initially turned him down—she’s 23 years his senior—but love won out. They wed in 2017, and Clare still manages his career. This summer, she celebrated with him after his long-awaited first PGA Tour win.
Tyrrell Hatton and Emily Braisher
Hatton and Emily Braisher married in 2021 after getting engaged two years earlier. A Nottingham Trent graduate, Emily once ran a popular blog called Wife on Tour, chronicling life alongside a professional golfer.
Rasmus Højgaard and Julie Sander Danielsen
The Danish star is partnered with Julie Sander Danielsen, who has been a fixture on his social media since 2019. Though private about their relationship, the couple has been spotted celebrating milestones together.
Viktor Hovland
Unlike many of his teammates, Viktor Hovland keeps his personal life strictly under wraps. Reports suggest he is currently single, and he posed alone for the official team photo.
Shane Lowry and Wendy Honner
Married since 2016, Shane Lowry and Wendy Honner are raising two daughters, Iris and Ivy. The couple met on a night out in 2012, when Wendy was working as a nurse. They now split their time between South Florida and Dublin.
Robert MacIntyre and Shannon Hartley
Scottish golfer Robert MacIntyre is supported by Shannon Hartley, who studied at Glasgow Caledonian University and works as an NHS nurse. She first appeared on his social media in 2013 and has been a regular presence ever since.
Jon Rahm and Kelley Cahill
Jon Rahm met Kelley Cahill while both were at Arizona State University, and they married in 2019. The couple now share three children. Kelley, a former javelin thrower, has cheered him on since their college days.
Justin Rose and Kate Phillips
Justin Rose and wife Kate Phillips have been together for over 20 years. Parents to two children, they also co-founded the Kate and Justin Rose Foundation in 2009, supporting children in Florida. Kate has long been active in the PGA Tour Wives Association.
Sepp Straka and Paige Dean
Austrian golfer Sepp Straka is married to Paige Dean, whom he met in 2017. The pair wed in 2021 and welcomed their son, Leo, in 2023. Paige works as a senior acquisitions manager and is often spotted supporting Sepp at tournaments.
As the drama unfolds at Bethpage Black, these partners will be more than just spectators—they’ll be part of the emotional heartbeat of Team Europe, sharing in every birdie, bogey, and trophy lift that comes their way.
