USA: What went wrong at the Ryder Cup and the future? Analysis and keys

Deep 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 what measures should be taken for the future. Despite the effort in Sunday’s singles, which masked the 15-13 defeat, this was the eleventh time the United States has lost in the last 15 encounters. With much of the European team projected to return at the next Ryder Cup in Adare Manor, Ireland, in 2027, including Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, Jon Rahm and others, the Americans will face an even greater challenge, this time on enemy territory. Luke Donald, the second European captain to win two consecutive Ryder Cups, has not 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 in the first two days, and, in my opinion, I think he’s the best European Ryder Cup captain of all time,” said U.S. team captain Keegan Bradley.

Keegan Bradley

Who Could 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 him. Bradley, as a rookie captain, made mistakes, especially in the setup of Bethpage Black. Donald had better organization, from statistics guru and vice-captain Edoardo Molinari to former captains Thomas Bjørn and Paul McGinley, who are committed to European dominance. Tiger Woods is the favorite to captain 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. If Woods declines, Brandt Snedeker, Webb Simpson, and Justin Leonard could be candidates. Fred Couples, a five-time Ryder Cup veteran, has never been a 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 for another “Ryder Cup Task Force”, given that the Europeans not only outperform them in every tournament, but constantly dominate them. During the American press conference, when Bradley was asked if there were moments when he felt that Donald had “outmaneuvered” him tactically, Thomas intervened in Bradley’s defense.

“We needed to make more putts. That’s what Keegan needed,” Thomas said sarcastically, defending Bradley. “He needed us to make more putts. That’s what he needed to do.”

Justin Thomas

Despite Bradley’s questionable decisions, the players respected him and felt connected to him. Thomas’s quick defense and other players demonstrate this.

I had extreme confidence in what this team could do, and that’s because of our captain,” said Scottie Scheffler. “I think they did an incredible job. Keegan did an incredible job.”

Scottie Scheffler

Continuity is crucial in this event, and perhaps the Americans could benefit from it.

What Can the United States Learn from Europe?

Europeans create a sense of purpose, camaraderie, and unity that is effective, but difficult to replicate. Donald and his team focus on details that add up over time and on a meticulous plan. 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?

Keep playing. Scheffler acknowledged that he needed to prepare better after the 2023 defeat, which implies not taking a long break between competitions. The current defeat could motivate him to prepare differently for Adare Manor. Scheffler, although he dominates in individual play, has had difficulties in team events. Team play, such as foursomes and fourballs, requires a different mindset. Scheffler needs 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 after defeating Rory McIlroy in singles. “To have the confidence of my captains and teammates to go out and play all four matches and lose all four, it’s really hard to put into words how much it stings and hurts.”

Scottie Scheffler

Scheffler described this week as one of the “lowest moments” of his career. 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 have worked. Scheffler has a record of 0-4-0 in foursomes and 1-2-2 in fourball matches. Woods and Mickelson also didn’t have good results in the Ryder Cup. It’s too early to say that Scheffler won’t succeed, as he is the best golfer in the world and cares a lot. Americans could consider copying the European strategy, where McIlroy played with Fleetwood and Rahm with Tyrrell Hatton, sending their best golfers together to secure points.

What to Expect from the Upcoming Ryder Cup Courses?

Adare Manor appears to be a course with a design similar to the American style. It is not a links-type course, but a parkland-style course 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 possible edge. Americans haven’t won on European soil since 1993. The 2029 Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota, could offer them a better opportunity. In 2016, the Americans won at Hazeltine after the PGA of America formed a “Ryder Cup Task Force”. The fans at Hazeltine should treat visitors with respect, unlike what happened at Bethpage Black.

Which American Players Secured Their Place in the Future?

While there is no need to panic, only a few players seem to have a guaranteed 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. Morikawa and Cantlay could be considered, depending on their performance. Cameron Young, with his performance at Bethpage Black, seems to be a lock. After that, the team will be open, depending on who wins the majors and important events in the next two seasons. It remains to be seen if Spieth regains his form, and if youngsters like Sahith Theegala, Akshay Bhatia and others take the next step in their careers. Max Homa and Wyndham Clark have underperformed recently, while Brian Harman could be a better option for Adare Manor.

Which “Young Blood” Could Be in Line for a Place in 2027?

The 2027 team composition is open. The only sure players seem to be Scheffler, Schauffele, Young, and DeChambeau, leaving eight spots available. Jackson Koivun and Luke Clanton are promising options. Koivun, the world’s best amateur, already has his PGA Tour card and has had three top-ten finishes in his last three events. Clanton, who turned professional this year, has also shown potential. 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 the team.