Team Europe proved that they are a class above their American opponents at the Ryder Cup last year.
It was immediately apparent that the European team have reached a new stratosphere in terms of their data analysis, attention to detail, camaraderie and processes compared to the Americans.
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They dominated Team USA in the team events, and while Keegan Bradley’s side came close to completing an incredible comeback, that was everything to do with individual talent and the home course advantage, and little to do with the operations of the team.
Americans may have hoped that Bethpage Black serves as a wake up call for the PGA of America, but it’s become apparent that little has changed. Key figures have blamed everything from the setup to the putting, and steered away from admitting that Donald’s side executed better.
With Adare Manor a year and a half away, the distance between the two teams is that of the Grand Canyon. Europe have appointed Donald as captain for the third straight year, meanwhile Team USA don’t seem close to replacing Bradley.
And while the Americans search for a leader to steady the ship, captain Donald has already started his preparations for Ireland.
Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images
Luke Donald is already scouting Adare Manor ahead of the 2027 Ryder Cup
A month after announcing that he is going to be running it back as captain for the third-straight year, Donald posted a worrying sign to Instagram for the Americans.
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He was pictured at Adare Manor alongside Europe’s statistical mastermind Edoardo Molinari, with the caption, “The work starts here.”
The work has already started for Europe, which is a terrifying prospect for Team USA. Donald’s side were more prepared for Bethpage Black, which is in their own back yard. Imagine how much of an advantage Team Europe is going to have on home soil!
This should be the push they need to appoint a captain quickly, and get over to Ireland as soon as they can. Otherwise, next year’s Ryder Cup could be an all-time demolition job.
Brandel Chamblee says who should be Team USA’s next Ryder Cup captain should be
After seeing Donald preparing in Northern Ireland, Golf Channel Analyst Brandel Chamblee named who he thinks should be the next Ryder Cup captain for Team USA.
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He posted to X, “It should be Justin Leonard.”
It’s a little strange for Leonard’s name to come up in these conversations. He played in three Ryder Cups and has a record of 2-4-6, and played in just one event since the turn of the millennium.
But with so few options on the table now Tiger Woods has been ruled out, he might be their best bet.
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