Deep Analysis of the American Defeat in the Ryder Cup and Future Perspectives
After a new defeat of the United States against Europe in the 45th Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, it’s time to analyze what went wrong and what is needed for the future of American golf.
Despite the Americans’ effort in Sunday’s singles matches, the 15-13 defeat revealed the team’s shortcomings, marking their eleventh loss in the last 15 encounters. With much of the European team, including Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, and Jon Rahm, expected to return at the next Ryder Cup at Adare Manor, Ireland, in 2027, the Americans will face another challenge on foreign soil.
The European captain, Luke Donald, who became the second European captain to win two consecutive Ryder Cups, has not confirmed whether he will return for a third occasion.
“I think he turned this European team into an unstoppable force, especially in the first two days, and, in my opinion, I think he’s the best European Ryder Cup captain of all time,” said U.S. team captain Keegan Bradley.
Keegan Bradley
Who could be the next captain of the U.S. team? Mark Schlabach raises the question of what the PGA of America and U.S. professional golf will do to support the next captain. Bradley acknowledged mistakes as a rookie captain, especially in the preparation for Bethpage Black.
Donald counted on a better organization, from the statistics guru and vice-captain Edoardo Molinari to former captains Thomas Bjørn and Paul McGinley, committed to European success. Tiger Woods is the favorite to captain the American team at Adare Manor in 2027, coinciding with the centenary of the Ryder Cup.
If Woods is not available, Brandt Snedeker, Webb Simpson, and Justin Leonard could be options. Fred Couples, with Ryder Cup experience, has never been captain, but is popular among players like Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth.
It is essential that the United States analyze what has failed in the last three decades. It could be time for another Ryder Cup Task Force, as the Europeans not only beat them every two years, but constantly outperform them.
Paolo Uggetti points out that, although some of Bradley’s decisions were questionable, the players respected him and felt connected to him. Scottie Scheffler backed Bradley, highlighting his confidence in the captain.
Although not all current team members are assured of their presence in the future, the desire for revenge on European soil could galvanize the team. However, the PGA of America might prefer a change after the home defeat. Continuity is key, as the European team demonstrates.
Uggetti suggests that Americans should learn from Europeans, who create a sense of purpose, camaraderie, and unity, something difficult to imitate. Europeans focus on details that add up over time and on meticulous planning. Americans should find their own source of inspiration, beyond the simple desire to win.What should Scheffler do to improve his performance in the Ryder Cup?Bryson DeChambeau and Scottie Scheffler lost to Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood in Saturday’s four-balls.Uggetti suggests that Scheffler needs to keep competing. Scheffler acknowledged that he must prepare better, avoiding long periods of inactivity. Defeat could motivate him to change his approach. Experience in team events is different from individual competition. Scheffler, despite his statistics, must focus on something more than distance control.
Scheffler described the week as one of the “lowest moments” of his career, demonstrating that he is still in the learning process.
Schlabach points out that Scheffler’s pairings in the foursomes and fourball matches haven’t worked. Woods and Mickelson also didn’t perform well in the Ryder Cup, but it’s early to judge Scheffler. The Americans could consider the European strategy, where McIlroy played with Fleetwood and Rahm with Tyrrell Hatton, pairing their best players.What can we expect from the upcoming Ryder Cup venues?Uggetti anticipates that Adare Manor will be a course with more American characteristics in Ireland. Americans will not have the advantage of setting up the course, and Europeans will seek to take advantage of every advantage to achieve their third consecutive triumph. It is difficult to imagine the United States as the favorite in 2027.
Schlabach doesn’t see good prospects for the United States at Adare Manor. The Americans haven’t won on European soil since 1993, losing the last seven away games. Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota, could be a better option, where the United States won in 2016. This victory came after the PGA of America formed a Ryder Cup Task Force.
The fans at Hazeltine should treat visitors with respect, avoiding the inappropriate behavior seen at Bethpage Black.Which American players solidified their place in the future?Cameron Young was one of the standout players for the United States, with a record of 3-1-0.Schlabach doesn’t believe the United States should panic and change its team. Scheffler, Schauffele, Thomas, and DeChambeau seem to have a guaranteed spot for 2027, as long as they are in form. Morikawa and Cantlay could be considered. Cameron Young, with a 3-1-0 record at Bethpage Black, was key. The rest will depend on the results in the majors and important events.
Spieth, Spaun, Griffin, Theegala, Bhatia, McNealy, Clanton and other youngsters could be options. Homa and Clark, with a low performance, and Harman, a match play specialist, could be relevant for Adare Manor.What “young blood” could be a candidate for a position in 2027?Jackson Koivun finished in T-4 place at the Procore Championship as an amateur.Uggetti believes that the 2027 team could have several changes. Scheffler, Schauffele, Young, and DeChambeau seem to be fixed, leaving eight spots available. Koivun and Clanton are interesting options. Koivun, the best amateur in the world, already has his PGA Tour card and has achieved three top-10 finishes in his last three participations. Clanton, who turned professional this year, has shown potential.
Young’s success at Bethpage is a reminder that experience isn’t always the main factor in team selection.
