Every two years one of the largest golfing events takes place: the Ryder Cup. This intense competition draws in fans across the Atlantic due to its high energy, unique gameplay, and most importantly, the America-Europe rivalry. The matchup consists of 12 of the best American golfers and 12 of the best European golfers facing off in a three day series of 28 total matches to answer the simple question, who’s better?
This year, the competition took place on the infamous Bethpage Black course, located in Farmingdale New York. Bethpage Black is known for being one of the hardest golf courses in the world, as well as being one of the only public courses that gets used in professional play. To win the competition, one team must score 14 points, each match is worth 1 point. On the First 2 days, they play either four-ball or foursome matches. In four-ball, two Americans and two Europeans all shoot their own ball, and whoever scores the lowest wins the hole. In foursomes, players alternate shots, again, the lowest score wins the hole. On the final day, they play 12 single matches, and like four-ball and foursomes, the lowest score wins.
According to CNN.com, entering this year’s competition, the Americans were actually predicted to win with their star studded team. They had the top ranked golfer in the world currently, Scottie Scheffler, with 4 major titles in the last 5 years; Bryson Dechambeau, with 2 major titles in the last 5 years, as well as many other superstar players. The Europeans were nothing to dismiss either, having Rory McIlroy hot off his masters win and career grand slam; as well as Justin Rose, winner of the 2016 Rio Olympics. Overall, it was a highly competitive field, but the United States had much greater depth and were expected to win. That begs the question though, what in the world happened?
The conflict actually started before a single ball was shot. American team captain Keegan Bradley made the poor strategic decision to prep the course for firmer greens, but heavy rains softened up the course leading into the competition, negatively affecting the American’s strong approach strategy. Furthemore, he also had the rough manicured, which actually ended up helping the Europeans more because they did not have to deal with the typical Bethpage rough. Past the mistakes made before the event, the United States fell ridiculously short in the first 2 days. They landed in a historic deficit of 7 points going into Sunday. This was partially due to a lack of adaptation after their first performances. After getting mauled on Friday, Keegan Bradley made the decision to keep on the same pairings, even though they clearly weren’t working. Additionally, Scottie Scheffler had a miserable performance. He was supposed to be the deciding factor of the competition, but he was 0-4-0 through Saturday, a performance that hasn’t been seen since 1979.
Amazingly though, the Americans nearly had an awe-inspiring comeback on Sunday. Led by Cameron Young and Xander Schauffele, the top scorers for the United States, they managed to score 8.5 of the 12 points available on Sunday. Sadly though, on one of the final matches of the day, Russell Henly for the Americans, and Shane Lowry for the Europeans, Henley fell short by missing a 10 foot putt on the 15th, and on the 17th as well, giving Lowry the opportunity to run off with the win. Final score: 15-13, Europe.
Overall, the Ryder Cup was an exciting match up for fans everywhere. The potential comeback that the Americans put up gave fans a beautiful glint of hope for 3 hours, but sadly, Shane Lowry was able to bring down the hammer and crush those hopes. Adding another loss to the United States historically poor performances in the Ryder Cup, having only won 3 of the last 12 competitions. Now, golf fans across the country need to wait another 2 years for another opportunity to take back the Cup.