Being the captain of the Ryder Cup is a huge honor. But with this honor brings great responsibility and a lot of headaches.
Keegan Bradley may have the biggest thing before announcing his wildcard: Become a kick captain or not a game captain?
He chose not to do this, but what problems still cause him to scratch his head?
Let’s take a look.
Team USA wins only four of the last 14 Ryder Cups
In the UK, then Britain and Ireland, the Ryder Cup with the United States of America was hopelessly in the face of the time.
The Americans won 18 of 22 games and won the championship – 2 losses before World War II.
It has been a more balanced competition since Europe became the opposition, with the United States winning nine, Europe 12 and one match.
However, the recent results will worry Keegan Bradley as the United States won only four of the last 14 Ryder Cups.
It also won only three of the last 11, and only two of the last seven.
It is said that after his final round of the Bryson DeChambeau Open in Northern Ireland, he asked about preparations for the Ryder Cup.
His eyes widened: “No joke this year. We’re tired of losing.”
They are determined to change the trend of history.
Only three American players won over 50% of Ryder Cup points
On the surface, Europe has ACE in its Ryder Cup experience.
They only have one rookie (Rasmus Hojgaard) who is in the room of Roma, so he is not exactly primitive.
By comparison, Team USA has four new immigrants.
But it can be said that the bay is deeper.
There are six players in Europe who have won over 50% of their playing field.
The Americans have only three profitable players (Patrick Cantlay 69%, Justin Thomas 62%, Collin Morikawa 56%).
Bradley will point out that Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele both account for 50%, so it’s not far.
Scottie Scheffler’s team record is poor
Team USA’s ace is Scottie Scheffler, right?
He is ranked No. 1 in the world. He won six times this year. He won two major titles this year. He is a former world champion.
Ah, yes, but…
When he lost in the opening four-man meeting in the 2017 Walker Cup, Schefler was replaced by the captain until he had no choice but to play him in the final singles (when he sneaked over Connor Simi 1up).
He was ignored in his 2021 Ryder Cup debut, but won 1.5 points in four goals and beat Jon Ram 4 and 3 in singles. So this is a good start.
But in the 2022 Presidents Cup, he and best friend Sam Burns were able to score half of the points in three games, losing to Sebastian Munoz in singles.
He made a big stride in the 2024 Presidents Cup, winning two of three games with Russell Henley and the other with Collin Morikawa, but Hideki Matsuyama fell him in a singles.
But after the 2023 Ryder Cup, the demons lurked.
He and Burns lost 4 and 3 in Friday’s foursome. In the afternoon, he reached a half-point with Brooks Koepka, but the next morning the two were creamed.
He struggled hard with Rahm on Sunday, but memories on Saturday afternoon would be hurt and he shed tears after morning humility.
His overall record on behalf of Team USA was read 6-8-4.
Bryson DeChambeau never won the four things contest
Early in his career, Bryson DeChambeau was unpopular with his teammates.
Brooks Koepka was very indifferent to his charm and famously rolled his eyes when he eavesdropped on his patterns.
This made him embarrassed in his early entry into the golf course, most obviously in the foursome.
When it debuted in a 2018 competition in Paris, it was the superstar who was asked to find common ground with DeChambeau, but it worked.
He lost 5 points and 4 with Phil Mickelson, while Tiger Woods lost 5 and 4.
He was then excluded from the 2019 Presidents Cup and the 2021 Ryder Cup.
No doubt he is a more social character now, but his game is still unique – just like the ball he uses.
Captain Bradley will be desperate to send DeChambeau out early in the game, meaning four on Friday morning. It will generate huge family crowd energy.
But who can take on the challenge of becoming his partner?
Fleetwood and Rahm won every four people they compete in
Tommy Fleetwood won his quarter in 2018 at Francesco Molinari in Paris and won his quarter in 2023 with Rory McIlroy in Rome.
It’s a bit strange that he didn’t compete in the four-man competition in 2021.
He is not Europe’s only alternative shooting expert either.
Jon Rahm also took a 4-4 advantage in this format.
He was left out when he debuted in 2018, but in 2021 he played a 2-2 match against Sergio Garcia.
In 2023, he has no Spanish to play, but scored two points with Tyrrell Hatton, who has been a teammate of Liv Golf since then.
The unwavering importance of these two quadruple golf is crucial.
The four will once again be the format used in the opening ceremony. It is also the most statistically beneficial format for the home team.
Bradley doesn’t want to mess up his place, he needs to overcome European stars to do it.
