Analysis of the American Defeat in the Ryder Cup: What’s Next?
After another American defeat against Europe in the 45th Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, it’s time to analyze what went wrong and the steps to take. The American team’s comeback attempt on Sunday, although energetic, failed to mask the deficiencies of a 15-13 defeat, the eleventh in the last 15 encounters. With much of the European team, including Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, and Jon Rahm, among others, expected to return in the next Ryder Cup at Adare Manor, Ireland, in 2027, the Americans will face a difficult task, this time on foreign soil. Luke Donald, who became the second European captain to win two consecutive Ryder Cups, has not yet confirmed whether he will seek to lead the team for a third time.“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,” said U.S. team captain Keegan Bradley.
Keegan Bradley
Who Will Lead the American Team in the Future?
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, especially in the setup of Bethpage Black. Donald had a much more solid 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 American team at Adare Manor in 2027, coinciding with the centenary of the Ryder Cup. However, it remains to be seen if the 15-time major champion wishes to take on the role, which would require a two-year commitment. If Woods declines, Brandt Snedeker, Webb Simpson, and Justin Leonard could be considered. Fred Couples, with five Ryder Cup appearances, has never been captain, but is popular among the players. It is crucial that Americans thoroughly analyze what has failed in the last three decades. It might be time for another Ryder Cup Task Force, as the Europeans not only outperform them on competition weekends, but dominate them throughout the year.Despite some questionable decisions by Bradley, the players respect him and feel connected to him. Continuity is key, and perhaps Americans could learn from it. As for what the American team can learn from Europe, the answer is both everything and nothing. Europeans create a sense of purpose, camaraderie, and unity that is effective, but difficult to replicate. Americans must find their own source of inspiration beyond the simple desire to win.“We needed to make more putts. That’s what Keegan needed,” Thomas said sarcastically.
Justin Thomas
What Does Scottie Scheffler Need to Improve on at the Ryder Cup?
Staying in the game. Scheffler, after the 2023 defeat, acknowledged the need to prepare better, avoiding long periods of inactivity. The current defeat could motivate him to prepare differently for Adare Manor. Scheffler, despite being one of the best players on the American team, needs to improve in team events, where a different type of skill is required.Scheffler considers this week as one of the “lowest moments” of his career, which shows that he is still developing in the Ryder Cup. 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. Americans might consider the European strategy, where McIlroy played with Fleetwood and Rahm with Tyrrell Hatton, aligning their best golfers to secure points.“I think it’s hard to put into words how much it hurts to lose all four matches,” Scheffler said.
Scottie Scheffler
