LONDON: Shane Lowry has backed the “next generation” of European golf to shine in the upcoming Ryder Cup team event against the United States.

Europe will be looking to regain the biennial trophy at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club near Rome from September 29 to October 1 following the United States’ record 19-9 win at Whistling Straits two years ago.

Recent history is on their side given seven of the last eight Ryder Cups have been won by the home team, with Europe’s 2012 “Miracle at Medinah” the exception.

But Lowry, a controversial wildcard pick for this year’s edition, believes the presence of several rising stars in the European team will help offset any negative thoughts from that painful loss.

“I feel like this is almost like maybe the next generation for European golf, and I think that’s very exciting to see guys like Nicolai (Hojgaard) and Ludvig (Aberg) on the team and Viktor (Hovland),” said Lowry.

The Irishman, speaking two days out from the start of the defense of his BMW PGA Championship title at Wentworth, southwest of London, added: “You look at Vincent Norrman winning (the Irish Open) last week, he’s probably going to be on future European Ryder Cup teams.

“I think European golf is better than what people have been talking about over the last couple of years.”