FARMINGDALE, N.Y. — Following another defeat by the Europeans in the 45th Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black this week, it’s time to analyze what went wrong and determine what needs to be done moving forward.
The Americans’ energetic comeback in Sunday’s singles matches masked the flaws of a 15-13 loss, marking their 11th setback in the last 15 games.
With a large portion of the European squad anticipated to be back at the next Ryder Cup, set to take place at Adare Manor in Ireland in 2027, includingRory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, Jon Rahmand others, the Americans are sure to encounter another challenging struggle — this time in a foreign land.
Luke Donald, who became the second European captain to secure consecutive Ryder Cup victories,did not mention if he intends to return a third straight time.
“I believe he transformed this European team into a truly unstoppable force, particularly during the first two days, and in my opinion, I think he’s the greatest European Ryder Cup captain of all time,” said the U.S. team captain.Keegan Bradleysaid. “I was genuinely thrilled to face him, but I understood it would be challenging to defeat him. He positioned his team optimally for victory, and achieving that in these two locations is an impressive accomplishment.”
Who might become the next leader?
Mark Schlabach:I’m not sure it’s so much about who will be the next captain, but rather what the PGA of America and other American professional golf organizations will do to support him. Clearly, Bradley made errors as a rookie Ryder Cup captain; he acknowledged this in his post-loss press conference, particularly when it came to…setting up Bethpage Black.
Donald had stronger support from a statistical expert and the team’s vice captain.Edoardo Molinari to past captains Thomas Bjørn and Paul McGinley, who remain strongly dedicated to ensuring Europeans maintain their dominance.
Tiger WoodsIs the favorite to lead the U.S. team at Adare Manor in Ireland in 2027, marking the 100th anniversary of the Ryder Cup. Woods is friends with Adare Manor owner J.P. McManus. It’s still unclear if the 15-time major champion is interested in the role, but if he is, even the greatest of all time would need to commit to the position for two years.
The U.S. team doesn’t want a similar situation to occur again, like the last time when the PGA of America waited for several months for Woods to decide. When Woods said he was too occupied, the Americans selected Bradley, who had never served as a Ryder Cup vice captain and, surprisingly, didn’t know he was being considered until 2023.Zach Johnsoncalled and extended him the job offer.
If Woods opts out, Brandt Snedeker(U.S. team leader at the 2026 Presidents Cup),Webb Simpson and Justin Leonardcould be next in line.Fred Couples, a five-time Ryder Cup participant, has never served as captain. He’s well-liked among golfers such asJustin Thomas, Jordan Spiethand others who are deeply concerned about the event.
I hope the Americans have enough dignity to carefully examine what has gone wrong over the last three decades. It could be time forAnother Ryder Cup Task Forcesince the Europeans aren’t just defeating them during loud weekends every two years — they’re overwhelming them every day of the year.
Paolo Uggetti:At one point during the U.S. press conference on Sunday, Bradley was questioned about whether there was a time during the week when he felt Donald had “out-captained” him. Bradley had just begun his response when Thomas interjected from the opposite side of the podium.
We had to sink more putts. That’s what Keegan required,” Thomas said with irony, supporting Bradley. “He needed us to make more putts. That’s what he had to accomplish.
As the team responded to questions and glanced beyond the player interview area toward the Europeans, who were reveling in their victory, it was evident that this defeat hurt. That’s why I question whether, now having one captaincy experience, it might be beneficial to let Bradley attempt again. Although some of his choices were questionable (he admitted the course setup strategy he chose was incorrect), I believe the players both respected and felt a connection to him because they viewed him as an equal. The fact that Thomas and others during the press conference quickly defended him provided a glimpse into that dynamic.
I had tremendous faith in what this team was capable of, and that’s because of our captain,Scottie Schefflersaid. “I believe they did an outstanding job. Keegan performed exceptionally well.”
Even though the entire team is not certain to make the roster again (except for established players like Scheffler orXander Schauffele), I believe they would be energized to seek revenge for this defeat by securing a win on the road, particularly with Bradley leading the team again.
In practical terms, it might not be the ideal choice. The bitter experience of losing a home Ryder Cup could be difficult for the PGA of America leadership to accept. Bradley, who is 39 years old and currently ranked 14th in the world, is far from finishing his playing career and is expected to attempt to qualify for this event at Adare Manor. This may have been his only opportunity as a captain, but what the European team has shown is that consistency is becoming more crucial in this competition. Perhaps the Americans could benefit from similar continuity.
What lessons can the United States gain from Europe?
Uggetti:All things and nothing. It’s evident that what the Europeans do to foster a sense of purpose, teamwork, and unity is successful, yet it’s difficult to replicate. Set aside Donald, who is undoubtedly one of their most capable leaders, and ignore the current consistency they possess. They also have a unique ability to find motivation from past players while simultaneously embracing a strong drive to win for one another, something this group of Americans have not yet mastered.
From a physical perspective, there’s much to absorb regarding Donald & Co.pay attention to numerous details that accumulate over timeand even throughout the week, and how careful their entire plan is. However, from an intangible perspective, the Americans must discover their own source of motivation beyond just the wish to win.
What must Scheffler accomplish to improve his performance in the Ryder Cup?
Uggetti: Keep playing them.
The four-time major champion mentioned in Napa that he took lessons from his 2023 defeat, feeling he needed to improve his preparation this time, which meant avoiding an extended break between events. However, I question whether this loss and the manner in which it occurred (with Scheffler going 0-4 in team matches) will encourage Scheffler to approach his preparation differently ahead of Adare Manor.
I believe there’s definitely merit to players such as Scheffler and Woods excelling in individual competitions but facing challenges in team events. Formats like foursomes (alternate-shot), fourballs (best ball), and match play typically demand a different set of skills. Although Scheffler remained one of the top performers on the U.S. team based on his statistics, it highlights that this competition often extends beyond just the numbers and necessitates more than just precise distance control.
I find it difficult to express just how painful it is to lose all four matches,” Scheffler said on Sunday following his victory over Rory McIlroy in singles, earning his first point of the week. “To have the confidence of my captains and teammates to play all four matches and still come up short is truly hard to describe how much it hurts and stings.
Scheffler described this week as one of the “lowest points” in his professional journey. This serves as a reminder: this is only his third appearance at the Ryder Cup, and he hasn’t even reached the age of 30 yet.
Schlabach:In the last three Ryder Cups, the teammates who have partnered with Scheffler in foursomes and fourball matches have beenBryson DeChambeau, Sam Burns, Brooks Koepka, Russell Henley and J.J. Spaun. None of them have been successful.
Scheffler has a record of 0-4-0 in foursomes and 1-2-2 in fourball competitions. Not impressive.
Woods (13-21-3) and Mickelson (18-22-7) also didn’t perform well in the Ryder Cup. However, it’s premature to conclude that Scheffler won’t find his way because he is the top golfer globally and has a strong desire to succeed.
It’s challenging to foresee which American golfers will excel in two years, but the American players may want to closely examine the approach used by the Europeans. McIlroy teamed up with Fleetwood. Rahm was paired withTyrrell HattonThe Europeans deployed what were likely their four top golfers simultaneously, almost ensuring themselves two points in the sessions where they competed.
What might we anticipate from the upcoming two Ryder Cup locations?
Uggetti: Adare Manor appears to be one of the most American-style setups you can find in Ireland. This is not a links course — it’s a parkland-style resort course featuring water hazards and rough. The Americans won’t have the benefit of setting up the course (an advantage they failed to capitalize on at Bethpage), and all you need to do is look at how Rome performed to understand that the Europeans will take full advantage of the golf course as they aim for a celebrated three-peat. Two years is a long time, but it’s extremely difficult to imagine a situation where the United States are considered favorites heading into 2027.
Schlabach:No matter who leads the U.S. team in two years, I don’t believe the Americans have a good chance at Adare Manor. The Americans have not secured a win on European ground since a 15-13 victory at The Belfry in England in 1993, having lost their last seven games played away from home.
The U.S. team likely has a stronger opportunity to succeed at the 2029 Ryder Cup held at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota. This is where the Americans concluded a three-match losing streak against the Europeans with a 17-11 win in 2016.
Interestingly, that victory occurred following the formation of a Ryder Cup Task Force by the PGA of America to investigate the issues during a period when the Europeans had won eight out of ten matches. Woods was part of this task force, along withDavis Love III, Raymond Floyd, Rickie Fowler, Phil Mickelsonand others. As I mentioned before, I believe it’s time to return to the source.
Hopefully, golf fans at Hazeltine will show the visitors some “Minnesota nice.” What occurred at Bethpage Black?simply can’t happen again. Making the Ryder Cup resemble a wild fraternity gathering was humiliating. I understand there’s supposed to be an advantage for the home team in the Ryder Cup, but that doesn’t mean it has to be the WM Phoenix Open taken to an extreme. And don’t try to claim the PGA of America can’t manage unruly spectators because Augusta National Golf Club manages it annually. Try yelling vulgarities at a golfer during the Masters and witness the outcome.
Which American athletes secured their place as part of the next generation?
Schlabach:I don’t believe the U.S. should overreact and completely overhaul its team, but there are only a few golfers who appear certain to make the 2027 squad, provided they remain healthy and perform well.
Scheffler, Schauffele, Thomas, and DeChambeau form the central members of the team. IfCollin Morikawaregains his performance, andPatrick Cantlaycontinues to perform effectively, it would be hard for the U.S. team leader to overlook their Ryder Cup background.Cameron Youngfinished 3-1-0 at Bethpage Black and was effectively the team’s most valuable player, so it appears he will remain for some time.
Following that, the outlook will be highly uncertain, depending on who triumphs in the major tournaments and key events over the next two seasons. Can Spieth regain his status as one of the top players in the world after recovering from wrist surgery? WillJ.J. Spaun and Ben Griffinkeep triumphing on the tour? Are young golfers such asSahith Theegala, Akshay Bhatia, Maverick McNealy, Luke Clantonand others move forward in their professional paths?
Max Homawas the top American golfer in a 16.5-11.5 defeat in Italy in 2023, but he lost his swing and self-belief. Former U.S. Open championWyndham Clarkalso slipped away. Former Open Championship championBrian Harmanis a player known for match play and could be a better option for Adare Manor.
Who could be considered “young blood” for a position in 2027?
Uggetti:I believe all possibilities are open regarding the team composition. The only players I consider certain to be on the 2027 squad are Scheffler, Schauffele, Young, and DeChambeau. This leaves eight positions available, which could present several promising young talents as viable choices.
The two names that immediately spring to mind areJackson Koivunand Clanton. Koivun is the leading amateur in the world, and although he hasn’t turned professional yet, he has already secured his PGA Tour membership and has three top-10 placements on the Tour in just seven appearances, with all three occurring in his last three tournaments. Clanton went pro this year and has four top-10 finishes dating back to the previous season. This year, he didn’t have a standout performance, but he has demonstrated enough glimpses of talent to potentially be an interesting choice.
Regardless of whether each individual succeeds or not, Young’s achievement at Bethpage this past week serves as a reminder that experience shouldn’t always be the primary consideration when selecting a captain or assigning a player’s role on a team.
