USA in the Ryder Cup: Analysis, future and possible changes

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

Farmingdale, N.Y. – Following another defeat for the United States team against Europe in the 45th edition of the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, it’s time to analyze what happened and chart the course ahead. Despite the Americans’ effort in Sunday’s singles, which masked the 15-13 defeat, this represents their eleventh loss in the last 15 encounters. With much of the European team, including Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, and Jon Rahm, expected to return at the next Ryder Cup at Adare Manor, Ireland, in 2027, the Americans will face an even greater challenge, this time on European soil.

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,” commented U.S. team captain Keegan Bradley.

Keegan Bradley

Luke Donald, who became the second European captain to win two consecutive Ryder Cups, has not yet confirmed whether he will be back for a third edition. Who could be the next captain of the United States team? 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 admitted mistakes as a rookie captain, especially in the setup of Bethpage Black. Donald counted on a superior organization, including statistics guru and vice-captain Edoardo Molinari and former captains like Thomas Bjørn and Paul McGinley, who remain committed to European success. Tiger Woods is the favorite to captain the United States team at Adare Manor in 2027, on the centenary of the Ryder Cup. Woods has a good relationship with the owner of Adare Manor, J.P. McManus. If Woods declines, Brandt Snedeker (American captain in the 2026 Presidents Cup), Webb Simpson, and Justin Leonard could be options. Fred Couples, with five Ryder Cup appearances, has never been captain and is popular among golfers like Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth. It is crucial that Americans analyze what has gone wrong in the last three decades. It might be time to create another Ryder Cup Task Force, as the Europeans not only outperform them every two years, but constantly dominate them. During Sunday’s press conference, Bradley was asked if he ever felt that Donald had “outplayed” him as captain. Thomas interjected, defending Bradley and pointing out the need to improve putts. The team, in answering questions and observing the Europeans celebrating, evidenced the impact of the defeat. Despite some questionable decisions by Bradley, the players respected him and felt connected to him.

I had extreme confidence in what this team could do, and that’s because of our captain,” said Scottie Scheffler.

Scottie Scheffler

Although not all players are guaranteed a place in the next team, the possibility of a victory on European soil with Bradley in charge could galvanize them. However, the PGA of America might not be willing to take the risk. Bradley, 39, and number 14 in the world, is still active as a player and could try to qualify for the event at Adare Manor. Europeans have demonstrated the importance of continuity, something that Americans might consider.

What Can the United States Learn From Europe?

Europeans have established a culture of purpose, camaraderie, and unity that is effective, but difficult to replicate. In addition to Donald’s direction and the team’s continuity, Europeans are inspired by their predecessors and strive to win for others, something Americans have yet to achieve. Americans must find their own source of inspiration beyond the simple desire to win. Europeans focus on details that accumulate over time and on a meticulous plan.

How can Scheffler improve his performance at the Ryder Cup?

The key is to keep playing. Scheffler learned from the 2023 defeat and prepared better, avoiding long breaks between competitions. However, the recent defeat, with Scheffler losing all four team matches, could push him to prepare differently for Adare Manor. Foursomes (alternate shot), fourballs (best ball), and match play require a different mindset. While Scheffler is one of the best players in the world, this event requires 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 on Sunday after beating Rory McIlroy in singles.

Scottie Scheffler

Scheffler described this week as one of the “lowest moments” of his career. It’s his third Ryder Cup and he’s not yet 30 years old. In the last three Ryder Cups, Scheffler’s partners in the foursomes and fourball matches were Bryson DeChambeau, Sam Burns, Brooks Koepka, Russell Henley, and J.J. Spaun. None of them worked. Woods (13-21-3) and Mickelson (18-22-7) also didn’t perform well in the Ryder Cup. However, it’s too early to say that Scheffler won’t succeed, as he is the best golfer in the world and cares too much. Americans could consider copying the European strategy, where McIlroy played with Fleetwood and Rahm with Tyrrell Hatton. The Europeans sent their four best golfers together, almost guaranteeing two points in the sessions in which they did so.

What to expect from the next Ryder Cup venues?

Adare Manor seems to be a course with characteristics similar to those in the United States in Ireland. It is not a links course, but a park-style course with water hazards and rough. The Americans will not have the advantage of setting up the field, and the Europeans will try to take advantage of every advantage to seek their third consecutive victory. Americans haven’t won on European soil since their 15-13 victory at The Belfry, England, in 1993, losing the last seven away games. The United States team could have a better chance at the 2029 Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota, where the Americans ended a three-match losing streak against the Europeans with a 17-11 victory in 2016. Ironically, that victory came after the PGA of America formed a Ryder Cup Task Force to analyze what was failing in a period where the Europeans had won in eight of 10 matches. Woods was a member of that task force. Fans at Hazeltine should treat visitors with respect. What happened at Bethpage Black should not be repeated, as turning the Ryder Cup into a wild party is a disgrace.

Which American players secured their place for the future?

There’s no need to panic and completely change the team, but only a few golfers seem guaranteed a place on the 2027 team, as long as 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 for the American captain to ignore their Ryder Cup experience. Cameron Young, with a 3-1-0 record at Bethpage Black, was possibly the team’s most valuable player, so it seems he will be around for a while. After that, the selection will be open, depending on who wins the majors and important events in the next two seasons. Will Spieth be able to be one of the best in the world again after his wrist surgery? Will J.J. Spaun and Ben Griffin continue to win on the tour? Will young golfers like Sahith Theegala, Akshay Bhatia, Maverick McNealy, Luke Clanton and others be able to take the next step in their careers? Max Homa was the best American golfer in the 16.5-11.5 defeat in Italy in 2023, but lost his swing and confidence. Wyndham Clark also had a slump. Brian Harman is a match play specialist and could be better suited for Adare Manor.

What “young blood” could be considered for a place in 2027?

The team composition for 2027 is open. Scheffler, Schauffele, Young, and DeChambeau seem to be the only certainties. This leaves eight spots available, making a group of promising young players interesting options. The names that stand out are Jackson Koivun and Clanton. Koivun is the best amateur in the world and, although he is not yet a professional, he already has his PGA Tour card and has achieved three top 10s in just seven participations, all in his three most recent events. Clanton turned professional this year and has four top 10s since last season. Young’s success at Bethpage this week is a reminder that experience should not always be the main factor in choosing a captain or in a player’s role on a team.