Team USA are slight favourites to reclaim the Ryder Cup title, but many believe their advantage lies mainly in their home advantage at Bethpage Black.
The Americans were beaten comfortably two years ago in Rome. Scottie Scheffler suffered a record-breaking defeat on the way to Team USA’s humiliation in Europe. And Luke Donald is bringing back 11 of the 12 players who took victory in 2023.
Meanwhile, Keegan Bradley selected four rookies for New York in the hopes of snatching back the coveted trophy. There is plenty of uncertainty surrounding his team, which features some of the biggest names in the sport, and some fresh faces to the competition.
That has generated concern among Americans about whether this all-new Team USA can match up with the proven European outfit.
Johnson Wagner is worried about Team USA’s lack of Ryder Cup experience
Three-time PGA Tour winner Johnson Wagner expressed his concern for the American team going into the Ryder Cup. Donald thinks experience is key to European success, and he brought a tightly knit group to New York.
While the Americans have made team-building efforts over the last two years under Bradley’s leadership, Justin Rose thinks Europe has a more natural team that understands the environment of playing in a Ryder Cup.
The only new addition from Rome is Rasmus Hojgaard, who replaces his twin brother Nicolai. He’s no stranger to the team, however, as he was present in 2023 to support his brother.
Meanwhile, Team USA, while talented, brings unknown quantities to Bethpage. We simply will not know how these Ryder Cup rookies will react to the New York crowd until they tee off.
That’s why Wagner is worried. He explained on Subpar, “As an American, I’m very concerned about this Ryder Cup. They’re basically bringing the same team, just substitute Rasmus for Nicolai, and their games are virtually identical, as well as their looks.
“When you have a successful team in Rome like they did, plus you’ve got the same captain and same assistant captains. They already have predetermined alternate shot pairings that were successful. Better ball pairings that were successful. They can basically roll that back out.
“And there are four rookies on the U.S. team. J.J. Spaun, I think, showed me a lot in Memphis when he got into the playoff with Justin Rose. He’s going to be able to handle this situation well. Russell Henley is going to be great.
“But we just have so many unknowns on that U.S. side that I’m really happy we have home-field advantage. I think that’s what’s going to be carrying them to the finish line.”
America’s home crowd could work against their rookies
The Americans should be cautious in relying too heavily on their home crowd. Yes, if momentum swings their way, then the “tsunami of noise” that Bryson DeChambeau predicted at The Open Championship can crash down on Europe. But that goes both ways.
Donald responded to DeChambeau’s comments on the New York crowd, issuing a warning to the LIV Golf star. He said that if Team USA gets off to a slow start, then the crowd could turn against them. And with four rookies on the team, we don’t know how they will respond.
That’s how things played out in Rome. A red-hot start for Europe sent their home crowd into raptures, and America capitulated. And bringing virtually the same team to New York means they are likely to be comfortable on the first tee, and primed for another electric opening.
Bradley would be well advised, therefore, to put his superstars out early to ensure a solid start. World number one Scheffler would be the perfect man to settle the American nerves among the chaos of the home crowd.
Playing with a lead would set the stage perfectly for the American rookies. They can relax a little more in that environment and play their best golf. With that said, Friday could well be the pivotal day in this Ryder Cup.