US in crisis: What went wrong in 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 United States team against Europe in the 45th Ryder Cup held at Bethpage Black, it’s time to analyze the causes and the steps to follow. The American resurgence in Sunday’s singles masked a score of 15-13, marking the eleventh defeat in the last 15 encounters.

With much of the European team, including Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, and Jon Rahm, among others, expected to repeat at the next Ryder Cup at Adare Manor, Ireland, in 2027, the Americans will face an even greater challenge, this time on hostile territory.

The captain of the American team, Keegan Bradley, commented: “I think he turned this European team into an unstoppable force, especially the first two days, and in my opinion, I think he is the best European Ryder Cup captain of all time. I was very excited to face him, but I knew it would be difficult to beat him. He put his team in the best position to win, and doing so in these two places is a remarkable feat.”

Keegan Bradley

Who Will Be the Next Captain?

The key question is not just who will be the next captain, but how the PGA of America and American professional golf will support that leader. Bradley, as a rookie captain, made mistakes, especially in the preparation for Bethpage Black. Luke Donald’s team had superior 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, 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. It’s time for Americans to reflect on what has gone wrong 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. The team needs to find its own source of inspiration beyond the simple desire to win. Americans must learn from Europeans, who focus on details that add up over time and on the meticulousness of their overall plan.

What Does Scottie Scheffler Need?

In the image, Bryson DeChambeau and Scottie Scheffler lost to Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood in Saturday’s four-balls. Scheffler, after his defeat in the 2023 Ryder Cup, could rethink his preparation for Adare Manor. The defeat and his performance in the team matches could motivate him to prepare differently. 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 them have worked. Scheffler has a record of 0-4-0 in foursomes and 1-2-2 in fourball matches. The Europeans sent their best golfers together, almost guaranteeing two points in the sessions in which they played.

Outlook for the Upcoming Venues

Adare Manor presents a design similar to that of 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 title. The U.S. team could have better opportunities at the 2029 Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota, where they won in 2016.

Who Are the Future Pillars of the Team?

In the image, Cameron Young was one of the standouts for the U.S., with a record of 3-1-0. Scheffler, Schauffele, Thomas, and DeChambeau are the pillars of the team. If Collin Morikawa regains his form and Patrick Cantlay continues to play well, it would be difficult to ignore their experience. Cameron Young, with a record of 3-1-0, proved to be valuable. The performance of Spieth, Spaun, Griffin and young golfers like Sahith Theegala, Akshay Bhatia, Maverick McNealy and Luke Clanton, will be key. Max Homa and Wyndham Clark failed to maintain their level. Brian Harman could be a better option for Adare Manor.

What “Young Blood” Could Have a Place in 2027?

In the image, Jackson Koivun finished T-4 at the Procore Championship as an amateur. Scheffler, Schauffele, Young, and DeChambeau seem to be locks for the 2027 team. Eight spots remain available, which opens up opportunities for young prospects. Jackson Koivun and Clanton are interesting options. Koivun, the best amateur in the world, already has his PGA Tour card and has had three top-10 finishes in seven events. Clanton, with four top-10 finishes since last season, could also be an option. Young’s success at Bethpage demonstrates that experience should not always be the main factor in selecting a captain or in a player’s role on a team.