Team Europe has dominated Team USA in the Ryder Cup for a number of years.
Historically, the Americans have had better players, but something about Europe’s team preparation and execution means they have had the better of their rivals across the Atlantic.
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Only two away Ryder Cups have been won since the turn of the millennium, and they were both won by the Europeans on American soil. The last two events have been dominated by Luke Donald’s side.
The exact reason is unknown, but Europe’s Matt Fitzpatrick has a theory.
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Matt Fitzpatrick explains Europe’s Ryder Cup success over Team USA
Europe’s success is typically credited to the intangibles. Their leadership, preparation, and camaraderie always seem to give them an edge over the Americans at the start of the event.
That’s what 2022 US Open winner Fitzpatrick said, when asked why his side have been so successful over the years.
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Speaking to Dan Rapaport, he said, “The team atmosphere is really important, and I feel like we do a great job of that. The stats are really important, more than people think, in my opinion. Just the pairings and everything. And I think, for me, that is what makes Team Europe.
“We have a really good plan in place, that can be passed on from captain to captain, and obviously Luke has improved that. And whoever comes in next, whether it be Luke again or someone else, they have a nice blueprint to follow.”
Eduardo Molinari has revolutionized Europe’s approach to the Ryder Cup with his cutting-edge statistical analysis, while no stone has been left unturned by captain Donald. He even changed the shampoo at the hotel for the players to give them the best possible chance of performing well.
Donald will likely go down as Europe’s best Ryder Cup captain ever, and is faced with the decision of whether he wants to return for a third-straight Ryder Cup in 2027.
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Matt Fitzpatrick says if Luke Donald should return as Ryder Cup captain
Donald has the opportunity to become the first Ryder Cup captain to win three straight times in 2027, and he’s currently weighing his options.
So far, Europe’s players and Vice Captains have unanimously said they want Donald to lead them in Adare Manor, and Fitzpatrick agreed.
He said, “He’d be great. It’d be great. But I think everyone underestimates how much work it actually is for him.
“It’s not just a case of picking the pairings on a Friday morning; it’s way more than that. It’s 18 months leading up to it, that you’ve got meetings and decisions. And so I think it probably is a lot.”
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It’s a big undertaking, but how often do you get the chance to write your name in the history books? If he doesn’t give it a go, he’ll never get this opportunity again.
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