Dona'd desperate for his Ryder Cup stars to end US Major stranglehold

EUROPEAN SKIPPER THROWS DOWN BIG-STAGE GAUNTLET

- Neil McLeman

LUKE DONALD has challenged his European stars to end the American domination of the Majors in Ryder Cup year.

And the triumphant skipper in Rome two years ago said performances on the big stages - starting at The Masters today - will be a huge factor in picking his team for Bethpage Black in September.

Since Jon Rahm won the Green Jacket here in 2023, there have been seven consecutive US Major victories. It is Uncle Sam's longest hot streak since 1974-77.

World No.1 Scottie Scheffler is favourite to retain his crown while Bryson DeChambeau, who shot an opening 65 last year, Open champion Xander Schauffele and Collin Morikawa are also strong home runners.

But no big-name American has won on the PGA Tour this season.