The Ryder Cup teams are set, and the countdown to the tournament’s 44th edition in Rome has begun. In a little over a week, the top golfers from Europe and the United States will compete at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, with Europe aiming to regain the Cup on home soil.

Prior to the event, European stalwarts Jon Rahm, Matt Fitzpatrick, and captain Luke Donald participated in a Q&A session, delving into their personal connections with the Ryder Cup. Jon Rahm reflected on the profound impact of the 1997 Ryder Cup on his life, and this is what he shared:

Jon Rahm on the significance of 1997 Ryder Cup

During the Q&A session conducted in partnership with Rolex, when Jon Rahm was questioned about whether the Ryder Cup was an event that changed the course of his life, he shared as reported by Golf Week, “…It is one of the main reasons why I am where I am today. The 1997 Ryder Cup was the spark that ignited my passion for the game. I cannot quantify or put into words how much it means but it is hugely important for me.”

He further added, “Both teams always fight to the very end because of how much it matters to all of us. It is such a unique competition. Even if your team loses, it is still extremely fun and special to have been a part of it.”

He highlighted the Ryder Cup as golf’s premier marketing and its unmatched ability to unite golfers, saying, “Even if your team loses, it is still extremely fun and special to have been a part of it. It is the closest that us golfers will ever feel to what other sportsmen and women experience when playing in sold-out stadiums.”

Matt Fitzpatrick, meanwhile, recounted his experiences from the 2016 Ryder Cup and the valuable lessons he gained from that event. He eagerly looked ahead to the Ryder Cup in Rome, anticipating an exciting atmosphere in one of his beloved cities. Captain Luke Donald, a Ryder Cup veteran for Team Europe, also expressed his pride in representing the team and stressed the significance of fostering a cohesive team atmosphere.

Jon Rahm’s strategy for the upcoming Ryder Cup

Leading up to the 2023 Ryder Cup, Jon Rahm had a demanding beginning at the BMW PGA Championship with a 71 in the first round. However, at the end of it all, he finished fourth on the leaderboard after an overall score of 16-under, just two shots off eventual winner Ryan Fox.

Also Read: Despite Having His Hands Full Amid Ryder Cup Preparations, Max Homa Cannot Ignore His Mandatory Responsibilities

During the post-tournament press conference, Rahm was queried about his approach and how he manages the delicate balance between experimentation and consistent performance. In response, Rahm emphasized the critical role of world-class events like the BMW PGA Championship.

He highlighted their significance in providing a unique testing ground for new strategies and the opportunity to build confidence for upcoming competitions, with a specific focus on the highly anticipated Ryder Cup.

Watch this story | As Golf World Boils Over the Billion-Dollar Merger, Rickie Fowler and Friends Make Headlines as Potential $800M Soccer Deal Comes to Light