Deep Analysis of the American Defeat in the Ryder Cup: What’s Next?
FARMINGDALE, N.Y. – After another defeat for the United States team 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.
The Americans’ effort in Sunday’s singles did not mask the shortcomings of a 15-13 defeat, their eleventh in the last 15 encounters.
With much of the European team, including Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, and Jon Rahm, among others, expected to return at the next Ryder Cup at Adare Manor, Ireland, in 2027, the Americans will face an even greater challenge, this time on foreign soil.
Luke Donald, who became the second European captain to win two consecutive Ryder Cups, has not confirmed whether he will lead the team for a third time.
“I believe 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,” stated U.S. team captain Keegan Bradley.
Keegan Bradley
Who could be the next captain of the US team?
More than a question about who will be the next captain, the key lies in how the PGA of America and the rest of American professional golf will support the new leader. Bradley, as a rookie captain, made mistakes, especially in the preparation for Bethpage Black. Donald, for his part, had a superior organization, from the statistics guru and vice-captain Edoardo Molinari to former captains Thomas Bjørn and Paul McGinley, committed to the continuity of European success.
Tiger Woods is the favorite to captain the U.S. team at Adare Manor in 2027, which will celebrate the centenary of the Ryder Cup. Woods has a good relationship with the owner of Adare Manor, J.P. McManus.
In the event that Woods declines, Brandt Snedeker, Webb Simpson, and Justin Leonard could be considered. Fred Couples, with five Ryder Cup appearances, has never been captain, but is popular among players like Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth.
It is essential that Americans thoroughly analyze the mistakes made in the last three decades. A new “Ryder Cup Task Force” might be necessary because the Europeans not only beat them every two years, but consistently outperform them.
During Sunday’s press conference, Bradley was asked if he ever felt that Donald had “outplayed” him in the captaincy. Thomas interrupted, defending Bradley and pointing out the need to improve putts.
The atmosphere reflected the impact of the defeat. Players like Scottie Scheffler expressed their confidence in Bradley, acknowledging his leadership and connection with the team.
Although the team’s continuity is not guaranteed, the possibility of an away win with Bradley in charge could galvanize the group.
However, the PGA of America could opt for a change after the home defeat. Bradley, still active as a player, could seek to qualify for the event at Adare Manor. Continuity, key to European success, could be a valuable lesson for the Americans.
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 their predecessors and channel a desire to win that has not yet been fully assimilated by the American team.
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 the meticulousness of their overall plan.
Image: Bryson DeChambeau and Scottie Scheffler lost to Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood in Saturday’s four-balls.
Michael Reaves/PGA of America via Getty Images
The key is to keep playing. Scheffler, after the 2023 defeat, learned the importance of better preparation, avoiding long periods of inactivity.
The current defeat could push Scheffler to prepare differently for Adare Manor. Team play requires a different mindset. Although Scheffler remains one of the best players on the American team, this event goes beyond the numbers and requires something more.
Scheffler acknowledged that this week was one of the “lowest moments” of his career.
In the last three Ryder Cups, Scheffler’s partners in the foursomes and fourball matches have been Bryson DeChambeau, Sam Burns, Brooks Koepka, Russell Henley, and J.J. Spaun. None of these combinations have worked.
Woods and Mickelson also didn’t perform well at the Ryder Cup. However, it’s premature to rule out Scheffler, who is the best golfer in the world and cares deeply about the game.
Americans could consider copying the European strategy, which combines their best players. McIlroy played with Fleetwood; Rahm with Tyrrell Hatton. The Europeans sent their four best golfers together, securing almost two points in the sessions in which they played.
What can we expect from the next two Ryder Cup scenarios?
Adare Manor appears to be a design similar to the American style in Ireland. It is not a “links” type course, but a park-style course with water hazards and rough. The Americans will not have the advantage of setting up the course, and the Europeans will seek to take advantage of every advantage to achieve their third consecutive victory.
Americans haven’t won on European soil since 1993. The 2029 Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota, could be a better opportunity for the Americans. Ironically, that victory came after the PGA of America formed a task force to examine the issues. Woods was a member of that task force.
Fans at Hazeltine should show respect to visitors. The behavior at Bethpage Black was unacceptable.
Which American players solidified their place in the future?
Image: Cameron Young was one of the standout players for the U.S., with a record of 3-1-0.
Mike Stobe/Getty Images
There’s no need to panic and change the team, but only a few players seem to have a guaranteed place on the 2027 team, as long as they are healthy and play 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 their Ryder Cup experience. Cameron Young, with a 3-1-0 record at Bethpage Black, was possibly the team’s MVP.
After that, the selection 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 surgery? Will J.J. Spaun and Ben Griffin maintain their success on the tour? Will young golfers 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 also had a slump. Brian Harman, a match play specialist, could fit in better at Adare Manor.
What “young blood” could be in line for a position in 2027?
Image: Jackson Koivun finished T-4 at the Procore Championship as an amateur.
Mike Mulholland/Getty Images
The team composition could change. The only players who seem certain for the 2027 team are Scheffler, Schauffele, Young, and DeChambeau, leaving eight spots available. This could open opportunities for promising young players.
Jackson Koivun and Luke Clanton are two names to consider. Koivun is the best amateur in the world and already has his PGA Tour card secured, with three top-10 finishes in seven appearances, all in his three most recent events. Clanton, who turned professional this year, has had four top-10 finishes since last season.
Young’s success at Bethpage demonstrates that experience is not always the main factor in selecting a captain or in a player’s role on a team.
