Ryder Cup: Donald vs Bradley, the mental war begins at Bethpage Black

The Ryder Cup Kicks Off with Verbal Duels

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. – The anticipation for the Ryder Cup was palpable in the atmosphere, and the mind games began even before the first shot. The European captain, Luke Donald, did not hesitate to throw subtle hints about financial compensation during the opening ceremony.

“We are driven by something that money can’t buy,” Donald affirmed.

Luke Donald

The United States responded with a slight stumble when captain Keegan Bradley recalled the historic moment of 1999 in Brookline, but confused Justin Leonard with Justin Rose in his account. The real action on the course will begin Friday morning at the challenging Bethpage Black. More than 5,000 fans present at the opening ceremony made their presence felt, chanting “U-S-A” and booing the Europeans. Donald, the first European captain in two consecutive editions since Bernard Gallacher (1991-95), showed his elegance by sending a clear message about the meaning of this week.

European captain Luke Donald took the opportunity to throw some shade at the American team, saying that “we are driven by something that money can’t buy” and that the Ryder Cup “is not about the prize money. … It’s about pride.”

Europe has dominated the Ryder Cup in the modern era, building a legacy of confidence. “The American team is proud of its heritage, but so are we,” said Donald. “Our European legacy is based on resilience, unity, and proving people wrong. Again and again, we have shown that when we come together with a common purpose, we can achieve remarkable things.” Donald was quick to mention the money, stating that the Ryder Cup “is not about the prize money or world ranking points. It’s about pride.”

Americans have received $200,000 to donate to charity since 1999. This year, the amount for charity is $300,000, along with a stipend of $200,000. American players have stated from the beginning that they will donate the $500,000 to charities in their communities. This situation provided Europeans with arguments to claim they didn’t need compensation to compete for the 17-inch gold trophy, suggesting this demonstrated why the Ryder Cup meant more to them than to the Americans. Europe has won 10 of the last 14 competitions against American teams that, in theory, seem stronger in terms of world ranking and major championships. Now they are trying to win for the fifth time on American soil. The Americans haven’t won in Europe in 32 years.

“We didn’t just come here to be part of the show. We came here to earn our place in Ryder Cup folklore,” Donald said. “We don’t just play to win. We play for each other and for every young golfer who dreams of one day representing the European team.”

Luke Donald

“We know it won’t be easy. Winning away from home never is. The most difficult paths lead to the greatest rewards.”

“Bethpage Black is known as the People’s Country Club. It has been called New York’s home course,” said U.S. Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley to the fans on Wednesday. “But this week, with their passion and energy, they will make it the home course of the United States.”Bradley, who had to wait for the chants to cease, spoke mainly about his history as the New England son of a PGA professional; his aunt, Pat Bradley, is an LPGA Tour great in the World Golf Hall of Fame. Bradley played at St. John’s and competed at Bethpage Black when his teammates were restricted to holes 3 to 14 on the other side of Round Swamp Road. He even made a local reference when introducing his team, announcing world number 1, Scottie Scheffler, from New Jersey. That’s where Scheffler was born and lived until his family moved to Dallas when he was 6 years old. Bradley recalled that the Ryder Cup became personal in the 1999 matches, when he was 13 years old, sitting on his father’s shoulder “watching Justin Rose’s miracle putt on the 17th” and how his father allowed him to join the celebration when the match ended on the 18th.

“That was the moment golf stopped being a game and became a calling,” Bradley said. “That day changed my life.”

Keegan Bradley

Bradley considered being the first playing captain since Arnold Palmer in 1963. Bradley finished in 10th place in the standings and even now has a better world ranking than four of the players on his team. Finally, he decided he was chosen to be the captain, considered a selfless gesture that showed his only concern was to leave Bethpage Black with the Ryder Cup. Bradley and the rest of the Americans are expecting great support from the crowd. Bethpage Black has hosted two US Opens, a PGA Championship, and two FedEx Cup playoff events on the PGA Tour. The theme is a gallery that holds nothing back in telling the golfers on “their” course what they think. The opening ceremony is usually held on Thursday afternoon, concluding with the captains announcing the lineups for the opening foursomes session. It was moved up a day due to a rain forecast, giving the players one more day (how much golf they can play depends on the weather) before Donald and Bradley deliver the lineups. It has been two long years since Europe defeated the Americans in Rome. It has been a long wait for Friday.