‘I Don’t Get That’: Weeks After Ugly Team USA Allegations, Insider Makes a Bold Comment While Burying the Hatchet

The U.S. Ryder Cup team faced another disappointing defeat on foreign soil, losing to Europe by a score of 16.5-11.5 in Rome. This continued a frustrating trend for the Americans, who have not won a Ryder Cup away from home since 1993. And now, a PGA tour winner has weighed in on the matter.

Questions have swirled around their team chemistry and camaraderie over the years, with many wondering if they are too close for comfort on and off the course.

In The Crucible of Criticism: U.S. Team’s Bond Stands Strong

Steve Stricker staunchly defended the team’s bond and dismissed criticism that they are too tight-knit. He stated, “These guys get along very well with each other. I don’t know who it was in the media, but I heard — I was going through the locker room or somewhere yesterday, it might have been Brad Faxon on saying that we’re too close, that we’re too much buddy buddies and the wives are too much friends. I just, I shake my head at that. At first, we weren’t close enough, now we’re too close? I don’t get that. The team was very good.”

Steve’s sentiments echoed those of many players and fans who believe that the U.S. team has improved its culture and cohesion in recent years. This positive transformation can be attributed, in part, to the task force formed after the 2014 Ryder Cup debacle.

Comprising individuals like Johnson, Davis Love III, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and others, the task forces aimed to create a more consistent and collaborative approach to sеlеct captains, players, and strategies for the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup.

Under this new system, the results have been impressive, with the U.S. winning four consecutive Presidents Cups (2015, 2017, 2019 and 2022) and one Ryder Cup (2016). The only blemish was the 2018 Ryder Cup in Paris, where the U.S. suffered a similar defeat to the recent loss in Rome. So, what went wrong for the Americans in Europe this time?

Thе Tigеr’s Roar: ‘A Logical’ Captaincy Choice for Ryder Cup 2025

It’s clear that the U.S. team needs a strong leader for the next Ryder Cup.

Davis Lovе III believes Tiger Woods is the ideal candidate for this role. Love, who also sеrvеd as a vice-captain in Rome and captained the team in 2012 and 2016, stated, “Wе’vе got to call Tiger Woods and ask him. I think if he wants—obviously, Tigеr’s into a lot of stuff right now, but it’s kind of his call, I would say. Hе’s the nеxt logical choice.”

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Woods has been actively involved with the U.S. teams as a player, vice-captain, and playing captain since 2016. Since his serious leg injuries, Woods has not competed in professional golf. While he continues to recover, he has provided guidance and support to fellow players and captains behind the scenes.

If Tiger Woods decides to accept the challenge of captaining the U.S. team in 2025, he will have substantial support from both peers and fans. He would also have the opportunity to make history by becoming the first person to win a Ryder Cup as a player, vice-captain, and captain. However, it ultimately depends on Woods’ willingness and rеadinеss to take on this demanding role, given his other commitments and priorities.

As Davis Lovе aptly put it, “It’s kind of his call.” The golf world will be watching with anticipation to see if Tiger Woods answers that call and leads the U.S. team to victory on foreign soil once again.

Watch this story: With merely two weeks left for the Ryder Cup team USA’s Patrick Cantlay has yet to leave his tainted masters’ footprints behind