Ryder Cup: Meet Team Europe

An inside look at the European Ryder Cup team:

LEE WESTWOOD

Age: 37, England

World ranking: 3

Ryder Cups: 6 (14-10-5)

Skinny: Runner-up at both the Masters and British Open this year, having been third at the British Open and tied for third at the PGA Championship in 2009. Now one of the deans of European Ryder Cup play, having played six times and gone 14-10-6. Recovering from a calf injury that caused him to miss the PGA this year.

RORY McILROY

Age: 21, Northern Ireland

World ranking: 8

Ryder Cups: Rookie

Skinny: Leader of the Tiger Woods generation, that is, the group that grew up idolizing Woods. Perhaps the most dynamic young player in the world, having beaten a strong field at Quail Hollow with a 62 on a course that will host a major championship. His 63 at British Open tied lowest in major championship history. Has said he would look forward to facing Woods at Celtic Manor.

MARTIN KAYMER

Age: 25, Germany

World ranking: 5

Ryder Cups: Rookie

Skinny: Sank a 15-foot putt to get into a playoff at the PGA Championship and another to beat Bubba Watson in sudden death. Another golfer making a big name for himself worldwide, having won three times this year (no one on a major tour has won more) and seven times in his four seasons on European Tour. Finished in the top 10 in four of his past five majors.

GRAEME McDOWELL

Age: 31, Northern Ireland

World ranking: 13

Ryder Cups: 1 (2-1-1)

Skinny: Sank a 15-foot putt to get into a playoff at the PGA Championship and another to beat Bubba Watson in sudden death. Another golfer making a big name for himself worldwide, having won three times this year (no one on a major tour has won more) and seven times in his four seasons on European Tour. Finished in the top 10 in four of his past five majors.

IAN POULTER

Age: 34, England

World ranking: 14

Ryder Cups: 2 (6-1-0)

Skinny: Exceptional match play golfer, witnessed by his 6-1-0 Ryder Cup record and his victory at the WGC Match Play Championship in February. Becoming known as much for his good play (second at 2008 British Open, tied for 10th at Masters this year) as his colorful clothing. Did take exception when Johnny Miller made televised crack about his ball striking.

ROSS FISHER

Age: 29, England

World ranking: 27

Ryder Cups: Rookie

Skinny: Breakthrough was fifth-place finish at Bethpage Black last year at the U.S. Open, one of only five players to break par. Won the Irish Open this year, but missed cuts in three majors. Defeated Anthony Kim in the World Match Play final in Spain last year, having reached the semifinals at the World Golf Championships Accenture Match Play in the U.S.

FRANCESCO MOLINARI

Age: 27, Italy

World ranking: 33

Ryder Cup: Rookie

Skinny: Along with his brother Edoardo, forms the first brother tandem in the Ryder Cup since 1963 (Bernard and Geoff Hunt). Two-time Italian Amateur Stroke Play champ and the first of the two Molinaris to win on the European Tour, the 2006 Italian Open but winless in 2010. Captain Colin Montgomerie has indicated the brothers will be paired.

MIGUEL ANGEL JIMENEZ

Age: 46, Spain

World ranking: 26

Ryder Cups: 3 (2-7-3)

Skinny: Known for his long hair tied back in a pig tail, his ever-present cigar and a swing so lacking in smoothness that he's called "The Mechanic." Won Dubai Desert Classic, French Open, European Masters this year. Missed nephew's wedding to play in Johnnie Walker Championship and clinch spot on Ryder Cup team.

PETER HANSON

Age: 32, Sweden

World ranking: 42

Ryder Cups: Rookie

Skinny: Won Czech Open the week before Ryder Cup qualifying ended, all but securing his place on points and probably knocking out Paul Casey, No. 7 in the world. Ryder Cup rookie was perhaps the one most relieved to learn that all European players will get in lineup on first day. Seventh time in past eight Ryder Cups that a Swede makes the team.

LUKE DONALD

Age: 32, England

World ranking: 9

Ryder Cups: 2 (5-1-1)

Skinny: Attended Northwestern, lives in Chicago and plays much of the year on the U.S. PGA Tour, yet still was named one of Colin Montgomerie's captain's picks (amid suggestions that golfers who didn't play much in Europe were penalized in Montgomerie's thinking). Won Madrid Masters this year. A painter with a degree in art theory, also has his own wine label.

PADRAIG HARRINGTON

Age: 39, Ireland

World ranking: 22

Ryder Cups: 5 (7-11-3)

Skinny: A captain's pick, and controversial one at that. Winless in tournaments since the 2008 PGA and winless at the Ryder Cup since a singles win over Jay Haas in 2004, he nonetheless was chosen by Colin Montgomerie, with whom Harrington teamed to beat Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson in '04. Has more major championships (three) than the rest of the team combined.

EDOARDO MOLINARI

Age: 29, Italy

World ranking: 16

Skinny: Played his way onto the team at the last minute. Not having qualified on points, overcame a two-stroke deficit by making three birdies on the final three holes to win the Johnnie Walker Championship an hour before Colin Montgomerie announced his captain's picks. Won 2005 U.S. Amateur, earning invitation to 2006 Masters, where his brother Francesco caddied for him.