The US’s Home Course Advantage Diminished
Paul Azinger, a former Ryder Cup captain, is critical of Bethpage Black, the venue for this week’s Ryder Cup. In a recent podcast interview with Trey Wingo, he suggested that the U.S. has lost its traditional home course advantage.
Azinger remarked that American captain Keegan Bradley needs to quickly rally his team, fostering a connection to Bethpage Black. “Keegan feels he’s got to get everyone on a mission,” Azinger explained. “But honestly, I don’t think they love the course any more than we do. And I doubt Europe cares much about the venue either.” His discontent seems to stem from both personal feelings and a belief that players aren’t well-acquainted with these iconic Long Island courses.
Bethpage Black has hosted three major tournaments in this century: the U.S. Open in 2002 and 2009, along with the PGA Championship in 2019.
Azinger openly admitted, “I don’t know the course.” He voiced his frustration regarding a consistent mistake by American Ryder Cup teams—they often compete on courses they’re not familiar with. Interestingly, half of the current U.S. Ryder Cup team had played at the 2019 PGA Championship, yet their performances varied widely.
Brooks Koepka, who won in 2019, faced difficulties this season with Liv Golf and his major appearances. Although Bradley enjoyed a commendable season, he opted not to be a playing captain and is a familiar face on the course from his time on the St. John’s golf team.
Cameron Young, a local from Westchester, also expressed his fondness for the course, indicating a mix of experiences around it.
Azinger, who captained the 2008 Ryder Cup team to victory, recalled his struggles at Bethpage during the 2002 U.S. Open. “I’m more accustomed to flatter courses,” he mentioned. “That year brought its fair share of challenges with the rain.” He shared that while winning is always desirable, the course itself can pose unique challenges.
Ultimately, Azinger concluded that the matchups seem evenly matched; both teams are fielding strong players. “If you look at Europe,” he noted, “they’re bringing a physically robust lineup.” The competitive edge remains uncertain as the teams prepare to face off.
