‘Players Are Not On Form, You’re Not Going to Win’: Weeks Ahead of the Coveted Ryder Cup Event, European Pro Subtly Sneers at Team USA

The fast-approaching Ryder Cup has generated significant intrigue and curiosity. Beginning on September 29 at Italy’s Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, this biennial event has everyone’s attention, especially with regards to the US team’s performance and preparations.

With the European team historically dominating on their home turf, the fact that the American team hasn’t won in Europe for several decades adds an intriguing element to this year’s event. And shedding more light on the same, a veteran European Ryder Cup star made a bold confession, which included a subtle jab at Team USA and how they still have things to “figure out”!

The European Ryder Cup side is all ready for a fight with Team USA

During this week’s BMW PGA Championship press conference at England’s Wentworth Golf Club, where coincidentally all 12 of Team Europe’s players are competing, Irish pro Shane Lowry shared his thoughts about returning to a tournament he holds dear. He discussed his busy schedule, reflected on his Irish Open experience, and emphasized his determination to win.

When asked about the American team’s extended winless streak in Europe, Lowry responded, saying that perhaps that was because the Europeans had “a great generation of golfers.” However, even the Irishman knew that with the stunning American talents the Ryder Cup has witnessed over the years, wins could not be just based on that!

“Europe won a few times over in America, but at the end of the day, it comes down to who plays the best golf on the week, on any given week,” he stated boldly with conviction. “I think you can set the golf course up to suit your players, but if your players are not in form, you’re not going to win, end of story.” Having said that, Lowry himself was in awe of the absurd stats of the Americans. “I honestly don’t know why the Americans have won over here in 30 years. That’s for them to figure out.”

He concluded that this year, however, “the Americans are a very good team” and that no matter what history had depicted, the game would be no cakewalk. However, he and the European side were not ready to throw in the towel just yet. “They are going to be very hard to beat,” he stated. “But we are also confident… and we are going to be very hard to beat.”

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While the international face-off will be more than exciting to witness in Rome this year, the European Ryder Cup seems to be taking no chance just based on history. In fact, to improve their position, they even appointed the legendary Spanish golfer José María Olazábal, who led the International Side to four victories back in the day, as vice captain. However, will he be able to pull off yet another miracle this year like he did in 2012 to help Europe win?

Team Europe plans to recreate Olazábal’s ‘Miracle at Medinah’ in Rome

In the 2012 Ryder Cup, José María Olazábal played a crucial role as the captain of the European team. His leadership and motivational skills were instrumental in what is often referred to as the “Miracle at Medinah.”

Analysis of his game has shown that Olazábal used his close personal relationship with the late Seve Ballesteros, another iconic Spanish golfer, as a source of inspiration. He made astute decisions when it came to pairing players for the fourball and foursome matches. His pairings were not only based on skill but also on chemistry and camaraderie among the players. This strategy led to successful partnerships and valuable points for the European team.

On the final day of the tournament, Olazábal’s leadership came to the forefront. With the European team trailing, he strategically positioned his strongest players at the end of the singles lineup. This was where their matches could potentially decide the outcome. This tactical move paid off, as Europe mounted a historic comeback. But whether or not they can pull that off again this year remains to be seen!

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