Why Team USA wins the Ryder Cup in Rome
Greetings Golfers,
Well, it’s here, the first day of the 44th Ryder Cup.
And to kick things off … here’s Edina CC Head PGA Pro Marty Lass telling us why he thinks Europe will win:
Why Team Europe wins the Ryder Cup in Rome…
Let us get one thing straight-I want the USA to win this one! I always cheer for the Americans, and the 30-year stretch of not winning overseas is something they want to take care of…
However, this is why the Euro’s take the cup at Marco Simone G & CC in Rome…
These four players don’t want to have a losing record. At Whistling Straits Hovland, Hatton, Lowry and Fitzpatrick got their butts kicked, and they are the players on Team Europe that have overall losing records in the Ryder Cup. They want to change that and prove to the American’s they are going to be around for years to come and will be tough.
Team Europe is coming in strong. Although the Americans are considered favorites, all 12 players on Team Europe competed just 2 weeks ago in a DP Tour event (BMW PGA). All 12 made the cut, 7 of them posted ‘top 10’ finishes. Team USA hasn’t had much competition since the FedEx playoffs ended, and might be rusty (but rested!).
The Four rookies on Team Europe. Ludvig Aberg, Nicolai Hojgaard, Robert McIntyre and Sepp Straka have played very well, especially the last 2-3 months. The American rookies-Wyndham Clark, Brian Harman, Max Homa and Sam Burns played well earlier in the year and, and with the exception of Harman winning The Open Championship, haven’t shown too much lately.
Nine nationalities represented by Team Europe. Although many of them play the PGA Tour, they are originally from all over Europe. I think when the team was announced, they put in (maybe) just a bit more effort trying to get to know each other, more unity, and having the Molinari brothers as vice-captains is helpful.
Intangibles. Again, the Euro’s come in as underdogs (at least on paper). The Americans will be tough, nothing is easy here. However, I think Team Europe is a ‘refreshed’ version of their Ryder Cup team, some of their older players are done and gone. With the exception of Justin Rose and Rory McIlroy, it is a very young team with not much experience. Those two veterans will unite the players and the streak will continue winning on ‘home soil’…
Bravo! Well said Marty - all valid points. However, Team USA will finally break the 30 year drought of winning on European soil.
Here’s why:
Both teams are very talented - and basically equal. However, Team USA has an irrepressible Captain … and a leader who is going to wake-up from a sleepy, lost year.
I first heard about Captain Zach Johnson when he played for Drake in Iowa. Guys complained that he wasn’t a quality ball-striker … just a very good putter. Then this “chop” goes on to play on the PGA Tour … and win Majors - especially the Open Championship at St. Andrews. This is a guy who knows how to win. And on the biggest stage. Don’t underestimate him.
Who’s this leader who’s going to wake-up and finally find himself? Obviously - Justin Thomas. This guy has it. But he always tried to find it from coaches, family, or heroes such as Tiger Woods. But that’s not where it comes from. We all know that it comes from deep-inside. This frustrating year made him dig-deep and find it on his own.
JT will be the inspirational leader. Zach Johnson will be the guy behind the scenes who knows how to win.
Oh yeah … Scottie Scheffler is going to make everyone remember that he’s as good as Rory and Rahm.
Put on your seat-belts … this is going to be a fun ride.
The guys with something to prove … are going to do it. Victory - Team USA.
Cheers,
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com