Rory McIlroy became the first player to qualify for Europe's 2025 Ryder Cup team after his tied 19th-placed finish at the recent U.S. Open at Oakmont. 

McIlroy, who finished eight shots adrift of winner J.J. Spaun, will feature in his eighth consecutive appearance at the event, which takes place at Bethpage Black in September. 

The Northern Irishman sealed his spot through the European points list, a qualification pathway based on performances in the DP World Tour and co-sanctioned events. 

McIlroy became the first player since Tiger Woods in 2000 to complete the career Grand Slam after his victory at the Masters in a dramatic play-off against Justin Rose in April. 

He has enjoyed three further titles since last August, emerging victorious at the Dubai DP World Tour Championship, the Pebble Beach Pro-Am and the Players Championship. 

Europe captain Luke Donald is set to announce his 12-man squad later this year through six automatic qualifiers and six captain's picks for the event. 

Make that EIGHT consecutive Ryder Cups @McIlroyRory is the first #TeamEurope player confirmed for the 2025 Ryder Cup. pic.twitter.com/WfkXS5L8JT

— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) June 16, 2025

"It's always a huge honour to represent Europe in the Ryder Cup, so it means a great deal to have qualified for my eighth in a row and to be part of Luke's team again at Bethpage," McIlroy said.

"Winning a Ryder Cup away from home is one of the biggest challenges there is in golf.

"We know it is going to be tough in New York, but we are all looking forward to that challenge in September and the opportunity to potentially do something special."

McIlroy has helped Europe to five victories across the seven events he has featured in, including in 2023 at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome. 

Europe's automatic qualifier ends on August 24. 

Scottie Scheffler became the first automatic qualifier for the United States team after he won the Memorial Tournament earlier this month.