The Ryder Cup was initially set for last September at Beth Page Black, but due to the pandemic, it got pushed back a year. Now, though, golf enthusiasts are counting down the days until Team USA and Team Europe clash on Long Island.
Winning the Ryder Cup isn’t everything for these golfers; the major tournaments are what really create a legacy. Still, the emotions run high every September. For Luke Donald, the captain of Team Europe, the Ryder Cup holds a special place in his heart. “Honestly, I remember the 1987 Ryder Cup vividly—it was the first time the team won on U.S. soil, and it made a lasting impression on me,” he recently shared. Donald emphasized the unique atmosphere of the event, stating that it brings joy not only to competitors but also to fans who might not regularly follow golf.
Interestingly, the visiting team hasn’t managed to win when trailing 10-4 since that miraculous comeback in Medina back in 2012. And the U.S. hasn’t claimed victory on European soil since 1993. The home team has dominated since then, winning five cups, with the closest matches being the five-point win for Europe at Glen Eagles in 2014 and their most recent triumph in Rome.
Donald is aware that “New York is loud and ready,” which creates a distinct challenge for him. But he believes that assembling the strongest team possible is key to countering that. Despite some skirmishes within the sport due to LIV Golf, the plan remains to feature European stalwart Jon Rahm on Bethpage later this year.
“Jon is definitely one of our top players, so as long as his form doesn’t take a nosedive, I expect he’ll be there,” he said. Brooks Koepka made the 2023 team as a captain’s pick due to his impressive performances, including victory at the PGA Championship and a second-place finish at the Masters.
Koepka was the only LIV golfer at that event. In fact, Donald assumed his captain role after Henrik Stenson was removed for his involvement with LIV. LIV players currently face restrictions, particularly concerning the President’s Cup, which is directly run by the PGA Tour.
