Post-Ryder Cup Analysis: United States in Search of Reconstruction
After the American defeat against Europe in the 45th Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, it’s time to analyze what went wrong and what needs to change. The Europeans, led by figures like Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm, once again demonstrated their dominance. The resurgence of the American team in Sunday’s singles masked the 15-13 defeat, the eleventh in the last 15 matches. With much of the European team ready to compete in the next Ryder Cup at Adare Manor, Ireland, in 2027, the Americans will face an even greater challenge, this time on enemy territory.Who could be the next captain of the United States team? The key question is not just who will take command, but what measures will the PGA of America and American professional golf take to provide the necessary support. Bradley, as a rookie captain, acknowledged mistakes, especially in the course setup at Bethpage Black. The European team, on the other hand, had superior organization, from statistics experts to previous captains, which gave them a significant advantage. Tiger Woods is the favorite to captain the US team at Adare Manor in 2027, coinciding with the centenary of the Ryder Cup. If Woods declines, Brandt Snedeker, Webb Simpson, and Justin Leonard could be candidates. Fred Couples, although popular, has not yet been a captain. It is crucial that the United States thoroughly analyze the mistakes made in the last three decades. It might be time to create another “Ryder Cup Task Force” to address European dominance, which extends beyond competition weekends. During the press conference of the American team, Justin Thomas defended Bradley, highlighting the need to improve putts. The home defeat was painful, and there is a possibility that Bradley will have another chance, as the players respect him and feel connected to him. Scottie Scheffler, one of the key players, expressed his confidence in Bradley’s leadership and the team’s determination to seek redemption in the upcoming Ryder Cup. The American team can learn a lot from Europe, especially in terms of creating a sense of purpose, camaraderie, and unity. Europeans focus on details that add up over time and have a meticulous strategy.Image: Bryson DeChambeau and Scottie Scheffler lost to Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood in Saturday’s four-balls. What should Scheffler do to improve his performance in the Ryder Cup? The golfer has acknowledged the need for better preparation, but the defeat could push him to adopt a different approach at Adare Manor. Scheffler and Woods, despite their individual success, have struggled in team events, suggesting the need to develop specific skills for this format. Adare Manor presents a different challenge, with a design similar to an American park course. The United States will not have the advantage of setting up the course, and the Europeans will seek to take advantage of every opportunity to achieve their third consecutive victory. History does not favor the Americans, who have not won on European soil since 1993. At Hazeltine National Golf Club in 2029, the United States could have a better chance, where they achieved victory in 2016 after a “Ryder Cup Task Force”. What American players secured their place in the future? Scheffler, Schauffele, Thomas, and DeChambeau seem to be the core of the team. If Collin Morikawa and Patrick Cantlay maintain their level, the American captain could consider their experience. Cameron Young, with his outstanding performance at Bethpage Black, also seems to be a key piece. Other players, such as Spieth, J.J. Spaun, and Ben Griffin, could emerge as contenders. Young talents like Sahith Theegala, Akshay Bhatia, Maverick McNealy, and Luke Clanton could make the leap. Max Homa and Wyndham Clark, although with good performance, might need to regain their form. Brian Harman could be a better option for Adare Manor. What “new blood” could have a place in 2027? Jackson Koivun and Luke Clanton are two promising names. Experience is not always the main factor, as Young demonstrated at Bethpage.“I think he turned this European team into a truly 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 Keegan Bradley, captain of the American team.
Keegan Bradley
