4 Things to Know as United States, Europe Resume Ryder Cup Rivalry
Welcome to another thrilling Ryder Cup, and for the very first time, welcome to a Ryder Cup on Italian soil, as the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, situated just outside Rome, prepares to host this biennial golfing extravaganza this weekend. The United States showcased their dominance in the last edition held in 2021 at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin, yet they haven't tasted Ryder Cup victory on European soil since 1993. Here are five key insights into this weekend's Ryder Cup:
Star-Studded Showdown:
This year's Ryder Cup promises to be even more star-studded than usual. Historically, both sides have fielded golfers near the top of the world rankings, often alongside players from other countries. However, this time, the top 13 golfers in the world rankings will be competing in the event. The highest-ranked non-American or non-European golfer is Australia's Cameron Smith, currently sitting at No. 14. Of the top 13, seven are from the United States, while six hail from Europe.
Europe's Home Advantage:
On paper, Europe can match the star power of the United States with golfing heavyweights like Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, and Viktor Hovland on their team. However, the Europeans might not have the same depth throughout their roster as the Americans. Nevertheless, when the Ryder Cup is held on European soil, Europe holds the favorite's tag for several reasons. Apart from the crowd's favorable noise, European players are often more familiar with the courses, as they frequently host regular European Tour events at these venues. Additionally, the host nation can tailor the course to its advantage, potentially creating conditions that favor their squad. These factors give Europe the upper hand this weekend.
Can the U.S. Back Up Their Talk?
In 2021, the United States dominated Europe in Wisconsin, and Patrick Cantlay boldly proclaimed that a new era of U.S. Ryder Cup success was on the horizon. He emphasized the youth and camaraderie within the American team, vowing to bring a killer instinct to future Ryder Cups. However, such declarations are easier to make when you are clearly the superior team, playing on a home course tailored to your strengths, and facing minimal European fan presence due to COVID travel restrictions, as was the case in 2021. Now, the American core group must navigate unfamiliar and potentially more hostile territory in their quest to win the Ryder Cup in Europe for the first time since 1993.
Ludvig Aberg:
A Rising Star: While both teams feature well-known golfers, the Ryder Cup often introduces the world to a player poised for stardom and future Ryder Cup appearances. Keep an eye on Ludvig Aberg, a 23-year-old Swedish golfer selected as a captain's pick by Luke Donald, despite his relatively short stint in the professional ranks. Aberg's strong ties to the United States, developed during his college golf career at Texas Tech, add intrigue to his story. With youth, hunger, talent, and an adoring home crowd on his side, Aberg could well emerge as one of golf's next great players this weekend.
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