The DP World Tour has announced the launch of the Hero Cup, a new team matchplay competition aimed at boosting Europe’s bid to regain the Ryder Cup.
Players from Britain and Ireland will take on rivals from continental Europe, with each team featuring 10 golfers picked by Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald in consultation with the two team skippers.
The tournament, taking place in Abu Dhabi from 13-15 January, will feature foursomes, fourballs and singles matches, with all 20 players taking part in each session.
“One of the first things I was keen to do when I was appointed as Ryder Cup captain was to reinstate a team matchplay contest to give playing and leadership experience to future Ryder Cup players, vice-captains and captains,” said Donald.
“I spoke to a number of former Ryder Cup captains who were strong advocates of how similar events in the past have benefited players who were pushing to make Ryder Cup teams, as well as their own captaincy journey.”
The two teams will be confirmed following the conclusion of the 2022 DP World Tour Championship in Dubai in November, with DP tour rankings taken into account in the selection process.
The DP World Tour was previously known as the European Tour.
The competition effectively fills the gap left by the Seve Trophy, last held in 2013, which also pitted Britain and Ireland against continental Europe.
Donald was one of Padraig Harrington’s vice-captains for the 2021 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits, where the United States enjoyed a record 19-9 victory.
The next Ryder Cup starts on 29 September 2023 at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome.
© Agence France-Presse
