USA vs Europe: Analysis and Future of the Ryder Cup After Defeat

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

After another defeat for the United States against Europe in the 45th edition of the Ryder Cup, held at Bethpage Black, it’s time to analyze what happened and plan for the future. The American team, despite a promising resurgence in Sunday’s singles matches, could not overcome the deficiencies, suffering their eleventh defeat in the last fifteen encounters. With much of the European team, including figures like Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, and Jon Rahm, expected to be present at the next Ryder Cup at Adare Manor, Ireland, in 2027, the Americans will face an even greater challenge, this time on European soil.

American captain Keegan Bradley praised European captain Luke Donald, highlighting his ability to turn the European team into an unstoppable force.

Keegan Bradley

The key question is who will be the next American captain. The focus should not only be on the choice of captain, but also on the support that the PGA of America and American professional golf will provide. Bradley, as a rookie captain, acknowledged mistakes, especially in the preparation of Bethpage Black. Donald, on the other hand, had a solid organization, from statistics strategist Edoardo Molinari to former captains such as Thomas Bjørn and Paul McGinley, who remain committed to European dominance. Tiger Woods is the favorite to lead the American team at Adare Manor in 2027, coinciding with the centenary of the Ryder Cup. Woods has a friendship with the owner of Adare Manor, J.P. McManus. However, it remains to be seen if the fifteen-time major champion will take on the role, which would require a two-year commitment. In the event that 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 players like Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth. It is crucial that Americans thoroughly analyze what has failed in the last three decades. It might be time to establish another “Ryder Cup Task Force”, as the Europeans not only outperform them on competition weekends, but also outperform them throughout the year. Paolo Uggetti points out that, during a press conference, Justin Thomas defended Bradley, highlighting the need to improve putts. Despite some questionable decisions by Bradley, the players respect him and feel connected to him. Scottie Scheffler also expressed his confidence in Bradley. Continuity could be a key factor, following the example of the European team. The PGA of America could consider keeping Bradley in charge, although it will also have to assess the impact of the home defeat.

What Can the United States Learn From Europe?

Uggetti suggests that Americans can learn both everything and nothing from Europeans. European camaraderie and unity are effective, but difficult to replicate. Europeans are inspired by their predecessors and strive to win for others, something Americans have not yet fully achieved. Europeans focus on details that accumulate over time, demonstrating meticulous planning. Americans must find their own source of inspiration beyond the simple desire to win.

What does Scheffler need to improve his performance in the Ryder Cup?

The four-time major champion, Scottie Scheffler, will have to prepare differently for the Ryder Cup at Adare Manor. Scheffler, who had a disappointing performance in the team matches, acknowledged that this defeat was one of the most difficult moments of his career. 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, without success. Scheffler has a record of 0-4-0 in foursomes and 1-2-2 in fourball. It is crucial that Scheffler finds a strategy to improve his performance in team events. Europeans, such as McIlroy and Fleetwood, or Rahm and Hatton, often play together, which guarantees them important points.

What can we expect from the next Ryder Cup venues?

Adare Manor, in Ireland, resembles an American course, with water hazards and rough. Americans will not have the advantage of designing the course, and Europeans will seek to make the most of their advantage. It is difficult to foresee the United States being the favorite in 2027. Schlabach believes that the United States’ chances at Adare Manor are slim. The Americans haven’t won on European soil since 1993. The 2029 Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota, could be a better opportunity, where the Americans won in 2016. It is crucial that the fans at Hazeltine show respect for the visitors. The behavior at Bethpage Black was unacceptable, and it is essential to prevent the Ryder Cup from becoming a free-for-all.

Which American players secured their place in the future?

Scheffler, Schauffele, Thomas, and DeChambeau appear to be the pillars of the American team. If Collin Morikawa regains his form and Patrick Cantlay continues to play well, it would be difficult for the captain to ignore their experience. Cameron Young, with a 3-1-0 record at Bethpage Black, could be a key element. Performance in majors and important events in the next two seasons will determine the rest of the team. Players like Spieth, Spaun, Griffin, and young prospects like Sahith Theegala, Akshay Bhatia, Maverick McNealy, and Luke Clanton could move up. Max Homa and Wyndham Clark could play an important role on the team, as could Brian Harman.

What “new blood” could secure a place in 2027?

Uggetti believes that the 2027 team is open to changes. In addition to Scheffler, Schauffele, Young and DeChambeau, eight spots are available. Promising players like Jackson Koivun and Luke Clanton could be interesting options. Koivun, the best amateur in the world, already has his PGA Tour card and has achieved three top-10 finishes in seven tournaments. Clanton, who turned professional this year, has shown potential. Young’s success at Bethpage demonstrates that experience is not always the most important factor.