U.S. in Crisis: What Went Wrong at the Ryder Cup and What’s Next?

Post Ryder Cup Analysis: What Went Wrong for the United States?

After the United States’ defeat to Europe in the 45th edition of the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, it’s time to analyze what went wrong and what needs to be improved. Despite the effort of the Americans in Sunday’s singles, which made up for the 15-13 defeat, this was their eleventh loss in the last 15 encounters. With much of the European team, including figures like Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, and Jon Rahm, expected to return for the next Ryder Cup at Adare Manor, Ireland, in 2027, the Americans will face another challenge on foreign soil.

“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

Luke Donald, who became the second European captain to win two consecutive Ryder Cups, has not confirmed whether he will be back for a third time.

Who Could Be the Next Captain?

The key question is not just who will be the next captain, but what will the PGA of America and the rest of American professional golf do to support him. Bradley, as a rookie captain, made mistakes, especially in the setup of Bethpage Black. Donald benefited from better organization, from statistics guru and vice-captain Edoardo Molinari to former captains Thomas Bjørn and Paul McGinley, who remain committed to European success. Tiger Woods is the favorite to captain the U.S. team at Adare Manor in 2027, on the centenary of the Ryder Cup. However, Woods is expected to commit for two years if he accepts the position. If Woods declines, Brandt Snedeker, Webb Simpson, and Justin Leonard could be candidates. Fred Couples, with Ryder Cup experience, has never been captain, but is popular among players like Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth. It is crucial that the United States analyzes 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 consistently outperform them.

Learning from Europe

Europeans have created a sense of purpose, camaraderie, and unity that is effective, but difficult to replicate. In addition to Donald’s direction, they have found a way to draw inspiration from past players and channel their desire to win. The United States needs to find its 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 Scottie Scheffler Need?

Keep playing. Scheffler, after the 2023 defeat, prepared better for this edition, but the defeat and his performance in the team matches could push Scheffler to prepare differently for Adare Manor. Foursomes (alternate shot), fourballs (best ball), and match play require a different mindset. Although Scheffler is one of the best players in the world, this event demands more than just distance control.

“I think it’s hard to put into words how much it hurts to lose all four matches,” Scheffler said.

Scottie Scheffler

This was Scheffler’s third Ryder Cup, who is not yet 30 years old. In the last three Ryder Cups, Scheffler’s partners in foursomes and fourball have been Bryson DeChambeau, Sam Burns, Brooks Koepka, Russell Henley, and J.J. Spaun, without success. Scheffler has a record of 0-4-0 in foursomes and 1-2-2 in fourball, which is not favorable. Americans could consider copying the European strategy, where McIlroy played with Fleetwood and Rahm with Tyrrell Hatton, sending their best players together.

Expectations for Upcoming Locations

Adare Manor seems to have a similar setup to the United States in Ireland. It is not a links course, but a park-style course with water hazards and rough. Americans will not have the advantage of setting up the course, and Europeans will seek to take advantage of every advantage in their quest for a third consecutive title. Americans haven’t won on European soil since 1993 and have lost the last seven away games. Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota, host of the 2029 Ryder Cup, could be a better opportunity for the United States. It’s time for the United States to re-evaluate the situation. The fans at Hazeltine should treat the visitors with respect. The behavior at Bethpage Black was a disaster and should not be repeated.

Who are the Key Players for the Future?

The United States template doesn’t need to be completely revamped, 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 his outstanding performance at Bethpage Black, seems assured. After that, the selection will depend on who wins the majors and important events in the next two seasons. Will Spieth be able to be among the best again after his wrist injury? Will J.J. Spaun and Ben Griffin keep winning? Will young golfers like Sahith Theegala, Akshay Bhatia, Maverick McNealy, Luke Clanton and others take the next step? 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?

Everything is open regarding team selection. Scheffler, Schauffele, Young, and DeChambeau seem to be the only ones safe for 2027. This leaves eight spots available, which could open the door to 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. Clanton, who turned professional this year, could also be an intriguing option. Young’s success at Bethpage is a reminder that experience should not always be the main factor in selecting a captain or in a player’s role on a team.