Ryder Cup: Analysis of the USA Defeat, Future, and Captain Candidates

Analysis of the American Defeat in the Ryder Cup: What’s Next?

After a new defeat of the American team against Europe in the 45th edition of the Ryder Cup, held at Bethpage Black, it is time to analyze the mistakes and plan for the future. Despite the reaction of the American team in Sunday’s singles, which made up a final score of 15-13, this was their 11th defeat in the last 15 encounters. With much of the European team ready to compete in the upcoming Ryder Cup at Adare Manor, Ireland, in 2027, including Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, and Jon Rahm, among others, the Americans will face an even greater challenge, this time on hostile territory. The European captain, Luke Donald, who became the second European captain to win two consecutive Ryder Cups, has not confirmed whether he will seek to lead the team for a third time.

I think he turned this European team into an unstoppable force, especially in the first two days, and, in my opinion, I think he is 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 US team? The key question is not just who will be the next captain, but how the PGA of America and professional American golf in general will support that leader. Bradley, as a rookie captain, made mistakes, especially in the course preparation at Bethpage Black. Donald had a better organization, from the statistics guru and vice-captain Edoardo Molinari to former captains Thomas Bjørn and Paul McGinley, who remain committed to ensuring European dominance. Tiger Woods is the favorite to captain the American team at Adare Manor in 2027, coinciding with the centenary of the Ryder Cup. Woods has a good relationship with the owner of Adare Manor, J.P. McManus. If Woods decides not to participate, Brandt Snedeker, Webb Simpson, and Justin Leonard could be options. Fred Couples, with five Ryder Cup appearances, has never been a captain, but he is popular among players like Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth. It’s time for Americans to reflect on what has gone wrong in the last three decades. It might be necessary to form another Ryder Cup task force, as the Europeans not only beat them every two years, but consistently outperform them. During Sunday’s press conference, Bradley was asked if at any point during the week he felt that Donald had “outmaneuvered” him in strategy. Thomas intervened to defend Bradley.

“We needed to make more putts. That’s what Keegan needed,” Thomas said, sarcastically defending Bradley. “He needed us to make more putts. That’s what he needed to do.”

Justin Thomas

The defeat was painful for the American team. Despite some questionable decisions by Bradley, the players respect him and feel connected to him. Scottie Scheffler also defended his captain. Although not all players on the current team are guaranteed to be present in the future, the possibility of avenging this defeat on the opposing field could galvanize the team, especially if Bradley remains in charge. However, the PGA of America could opt for a change. Continuity is key in this event, and perhaps the Americans could learn from it.

What Can the U.S. Learn From Europe?

Europeans have created a sense of purpose, camaraderie, and unity that is effective, but difficult to replicate. Beyond Donald and his continuity, Europeans are inspired by previous generations and demonstrate a strong desire to win for the team, something that Americans have yet to achieve. Americans must find their own source of inspiration, beyond the simple desire to win. Europeans focus on details that add up over time and on a meticulous plan.

What does Scheffler need to improve on in the Ryder Cup?

Scheffler must keep competing. After the 2023 defeat, Scheffler learned the need to prepare better, avoiding long periods without competition. However, this recent defeat could motivate him to change his preparation for Adare Manor. There is a difference between individual success and team success. Foursomes, fourballs, and match play formats demand different skills. Although Scheffler was one of the best American players statistically, this event requires more than distance control.

I think it’s hard to put into words how much it hurts to lose all four matches,” Scheffler said on Sunday after defeating Rory McIlroy in singles, earning his first point of the week. “To have the confidence of my captains and teammates to go out and play all four matches and lose them all, it’s really hard to put into words how much it hurts.”

Scottie Scheffler

Scheffler described this week as one of the “lowest moments” of his career. This is only his third Ryder Cup and he is not yet 30 years old. In the last three Ryder Cups, Scheffler’s partners in the foursomes and fourball matches were Bryson DeChambeau, Sam Burns, Brooks Koepka, Russell Henley and J.J. Spaun, without success. Woods and Mickelson also didn’t perform well at the Ryder Cup. It’s early to determine if Scheffler will achieve it, as he is the best golfer in the world and cares a lot. The Americans could consider copying the European strategy, which paired their best players.

What can we expect from the next Ryder Cup venues?

Adare Manor looks like a course with characteristics similar to those in the United States in Ireland. Americans will not have the advantage of preparing the course and Europeans will seek to take advantage of every advantage to achieve their third consecutive victory. It’s hard to imagine a scenario where the United States is the favorite in 2027. The Americans haven’t won on European soil since 1993, losing the last seven away games. Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota, could offer a better opportunity for the Americans in 2029. There, the Americans broke a streak of three consecutive defeats against the Europeans in 2016. Ironically, that victory came after the PGA of America formed a task force to analyze the problems, in a period where the Europeans won eight out of ten matches. It’s time to return to that strategy. Fans at Hazeltine are expected to treat visitors with respect. What happened at Bethpage Black cannot be repeated. Turning the Ryder Cup into a party is a mistake. The PGA of America must control the loudest fans.

Which American players secured their place in the future?

The US team doesn’t need a total restructuring, but there are few players with a guaranteed place on the 2027 team, provided they are healthy and playing well. Scheffler, Schauffele, Thomas, and DeChambeau are the core of the team. If Collin Morikawa regains his form and Patrick Cantlay continues to play well, it would be difficult to ignore them. Cameron Young, with a 3-1-0 record at Bethpage Black, was the team’s MVP. The rest will depend on the winners of the majors and important events in the next two seasons. Will Spieth be able to be one of the best in the world after his wrist injury? Will J.J. Spaun and Ben Griffin maintain their level? Will young players like Sahith Theegala, Akshay Bhatia, Maverick McNealy, and Luke Clanton be able to take the next step in their careers? Max Homa was the best American golfer in the 2023 defeat in Italy, but he lost his swing and confidence. Wyndham Clark and Brian Harman could also be options.

What “new blood” could have a place in 2027?

The options for the 2027 team are open. The only players with a guaranteed spot seem to be Scheffler, Schauffele, Young, and DeChambeau. This leaves eight spots available. Jackson Koivun and Luke Clanton are names to consider. Koivun is the best amateur in the world and already has his PGA Tour card. Clanton, who turned professional this year, has shown potential. Young’s success at Bethpage demonstrates that experience should not always be the main factor in choosing a captain or in a player’s role on a team.