US in Crisis: What Went Wrong at the Ryder Cup and What’s Next?

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

After a new defeat for the American team against Europe in the 45th edition of the Ryder Cup, held at Bethpage Black, it’s time to analyze the causes and plan for the future. The final result of 15-13, despite the effort in Sunday’s singles matches, shows the eleventh defeat in the last fifteen encounters. With a large part of the European team, including figures like Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, and Jon Rahm, projected to compete in the next Ryder Cup at Adare Manor, Ireland, in 2027, the challenge for the Americans will be even greater, this time on enemy territory.

Keegan Bradley, captain of the American team, acknowledged the difficulty of facing such a well-led European team.

Keegan Bradley

Luke Donald, European captain, became the second European captain to win two consecutive Ryder Cups. Bradley highlighted Donald’s ability to transform the European team into an unstoppable force.

Who will be the next American captain?

The question is not only who will be the next captain, but how the PGA of America and American professional golf will support the chosen one. Bradley, in his debut as captain, admitted mistakes, especially in the preparation of the course at Bethpage Black. The European team, with a solid structure led by figures like Edoardo Molinari and former captains like Thomas Bjørn and Paul McGinley, has demonstrated superior organization. Tiger Woods is the favorite to captain the American team at Adare Manor in 2027, coinciding with the centenary of the Ryder Cup. However, Woods is expected to fully commit to the position, requiring a two-year dedication. If Woods declines, candidates such as Brandt Snedeker, Webb Simpson, and Justin Leonard could be considered. It is crucial that Americans thoroughly analyze the mistakes made in the last three decades. It might be time to establish another Ryder Cup Task Force to address the constant European superiority.

What Can the United States Learn From Europe?

Europeans have demonstrated an ability to create a sense of purpose, camaraderie, and unity that is difficult to replicate. In addition to Donald’s direction, the inspiration that Europeans get from their predecessors stands out, combined with a desire to win for the team that seems to be lacking in 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 meticulous planning.

Scottie Scheffler’s Performance

Scheffler’s performance at the Ryder Cup has been a point of discussion. Despite his dominance in individual competitions, he has struggled in team events. Scheffler acknowledges 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, without success. Scheffler has a record of 0-4-0 in foursomes and 1-2-2 in fourball. It is important to remember that team golf requires different skills than individual golf. It is crucial that Americans study the European strategy. McIlroy played with Fleetwood, Rahm with Tyrrell Hatton, demonstrating the importance of combining the best players.

The Future of the Ryder Cup

Adare Manor presents a challenge similar to American courses, 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 a third consecutive triumph. The chances of the United States being the favorite in 2027 are slim. The American team hasn’t won on European soil since 1993. The 2029 Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota, could offer a better opportunity. The behavior of the fans at Bethpage Black was unacceptable, and it should not be repeated. Fans at Hazeltine are expected to show more appropriate behavior.

Who are the key players for the future of the American team?

Scheffler, Schauffele, Thomas, and DeChambeau are pillars of the team. If Collin Morikawa and Patrick Cantlay maintain their level, their experience will be valuable. Cameron Young, with a 3-1-0 record at Bethpage Black, is emerging as a key player. Performance in majors and important events over the next two seasons will determine the rest of the team. The performance of players such as Spieth, Spaun, Ben Griffin, Sahith Theegala, Akshay Bhatia, Maverick McNealy, Luke Clanton, and others is expected to be seen. Homa and Clark, who underperformed, and Harman could be options for Adare Manor.

What new talents could join the team in 2027?

Scheffler, Schauffele, Young, and DeChambeau seem to be locks for the 2027 team. This opens up eight spots for new talent. Jackson Koivun and Luke Clanton are names to consider. Young’s success at Bethpage Black demonstrates that experience is not always the most important factor in player selection.