US in crisis: What went wrong in the Ryder Cup and what’s next?

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

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. – After another defeat for the American team against the European team in the 45th edition of the Ryder Cup, held at Bethpage Black, it’s time to analyze the causes and chart the course ahead. The American team’s effort in Sunday’s singles, although it managed to gloss over the result, could not hide the deficiencies that led to a 15-13 defeat. This was the eleventh defeat in the last 15 encounters. With much of the European team ready to participate in the next 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.

“I think he turned this European team into an unstoppable force, especially 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, the second European captain to win two consecutive Ryder Cups, has not confirmed whether he will return for a third occasion.

Who Will Be the Next Captain?

The question is not just who will lead the team, but how the PGA of America and American professional golf will support that leader. Bradley acknowledged mistakes as a rookie captain, especially in the preparation for Bethpage Black. Donald, for his part, had better organization, from 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. Woods maintains a friendship with the owner of Adare Manor, J.P. McManus. If Woods declines, Brandt Snedeker, Webb Simpson, and Justin Leonard could be options. The American team needs a deep reflection on what has failed in the last three decades. It might be time for another Ryder Cup Task Force, as the Europeans not only beat them every two years, but consistently outperform them.

Lessons from Europe

Europeans have demonstrated effective, but difficult-to-replicate cohesion and purpose. Beyond Donald and continuity, Europeans are inspired by their predecessors and play together. Americans must find their own source of inspiration, beyond the simple desire to win. The key is how Donald and his team focus on the details that add up over time and on the meticulousness of their overall plan. Americans must seek their own source of inspiration beyond the simple desire to win.

Bryson DeChambeau and Scottie Scheffler lost to Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood in Saturday’s four-balls.

Scottie Scheffler, after his defeat in the Ryder Cup, expressed that this was one of the lowest moments of his career. The experience in this type of event, despite individual talent, requires something more than distance control. 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. It’s time to re-evaluate the strategy. Americans could consider copying the European strategy, which aligns their best golfers together, almost guaranteeing points. The Europeans send their four best golfers together, almost guaranteeing themselves two points in the sessions in which they did so.

Expectations for Upcoming Locations

Adare Manor, with its park-like design, presents a challenge for the Americans, who will not have the advantage of setting up the course. In 2027, it will be difficult for the United States to start as the favorite. The victory at Hazeltine National Golf Club in 2016, after a Task Force, could be a good omen for 2029. The fans at Hazeltine should show respect, in contrast to the behavior at Bethpage Black.

Who Are the Key Figures of the Future?

Cameron Young was one of the standouts for the United States, with a record of 3-1-0.

Scheffler, Schauffele, Thomas, and DeChambeau seem to have a guaranteed spot on the 2027 team. If Collin Morikawa and Patrick Cantlay maintain their level, they could also be considered. Cameron Young, with his outstanding performance at Bethpage Black, appears to be a key figure. The team composition will depend on the results in the majors and important events in the next two years. Players like Spieth, Spaun, Griffin, Theegala, Bhatia, McNealy, Clanton and other young players could be options. Max Homa and Wyndham Clark, who underperformed, and Brian Harman, could be a better fit at Adare Manor.

What “New Blood” Could Stand Out in 2027?

Jackson Koivun finished T-4 at the Procore Championship as an amateur.

Scheffler, Schauffele, Young, and DeChambeau are the safest players for 2027, leaving eight spots available. Jackson Koivun and Luke Clanton are names to consider. Koivun, the world’s best amateur, already has his PGA Tour card and has achieved three top-10 finishes in seven events. Clanton has shown potential, which could make him an interesting option. Young’s success at Bethpage demonstrates that experience should not always be the main factor in selecting a team or in a player’s role.