The Americans have found a variety of ways to lose in Europe over the last three decades. Can this time be different?
By Hugh KellenbergerROME — Ghosts haunt this eternal city. Millions of people have also taken each step you take. Men fought to the death in the name of entertainment here. An empire collapsed over there. Marvel at it. Take it all in. Enjoy the bountiful pasta and red wine.
It’s also the case here at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, a place without nearly the history of just about any city block in Rome proper but still feels the weight of time this Ryder Cup., a physical and constant reminder to the 12 members of this team of their greatest-ever golfer and how his memory hangs over this event. In some ways it’s romantic, this idea that generations of European golfers retain such a strong connection.
You could make a reasonable argument that competency in team-building and not actively trying to destroy itself from within helped the Europeans as much as anything both times. It does not feel like it’ll be as easy this time around — Zach Johnson was an assistant captain for Steve Stricker’s winning effort in 2021 and has no reason to not run that playbook.The Americans have shown up in Rome actively trying to not offend.
Analytics take on more and more emphasis it seems in every Ryder Cup cycle, but there’s a reason why the captains/vice captains also ask each guy who they might like to play with, and who they wouldn’t. The vibes do matter. “Golf is so tough day-to-day that if you hit bad shots or you have an off day, the last thing you want is your partner to make you feel bad about it or you feel added pressure,” Clark said.
The test is coming — it’s easy to all be best buds when it’s 0-0. But it feels like Johnson has the right people at the helm of that room to lead it should things get tough, and encourage them if things are going well.It’s wild to think that just five years ago the Tour Championship and Ryder Cup were back-to-back events. Now most of the Americans are coming in after a full month off , while the full Euro team was in the BMW PGA Championship that same weekend.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Sheffield United 'under investigation' by FA following Premier League defeat to Newcastle UnitedSheffield United are said to be under investigation by the FA following a supporter incident during the club’s 8-0 defeat to Newcastle United.
Read more »
Carabao Cup fourth round draw - Newcastle United get Manchester UnitedNewcastle United get Manchester United - Carabao Cup fourth round draw
Read more »
Leeds United, Sheffield United and more fans to benefit from LNER newsFootball fans can struggle to get home after late Sunday kick offs but extra LNER trains may help amid broadcast schedule changes.
Read more »
Rethinking Zach Johnson, the unlikeliest Ryder Cup captainIt’s been 31 years since a U.S. team won the Ryder Cup on European soil. Can an overlooked champion break the streak?
Read more »
Ryder Cup Big Board: Ranking the players 1-24 ahead of play at Marco SimoneThe Europeans can claim the cream of the crop in this Ryder Cup, but depth definitely favors the Americans.
Read more »