European Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald will be leading his team into the biennial competition as underdogs when they face the U.S. team at Bethpage Black in Farmington, New York on Sept. 26-28. Despite winning 10 of the last 14 matches, Donald acknowledges the difficulty of winning an away Ryder Cup, with the home team having won the last five editions of the competition.
During a press conference in New York, Donald expressed his belief that playing an away Ryder Cup means being the underdog based on historical results. U.S. Captain Keegan Bradley, on the other hand, feels confident in his team’s ability to compete in a hostile environment and expects the fans to be passionate but respectful to both teams.
Both captains emphasized the importance of maintaining the spirit of the Ryder Cup and ensuring a fair playing field for all competitors. Bradley confirmed the point system for automatic qualifiers and captain’s picks while also hinting at potential vice captains. Donald emphasized the need for players to adhere to the DP Tour’s rules in order to be considered for the team.
Looking ahead to the Ryder Cup next year, both captains expressed their desire for their teams to bond and prepare effectively for the competition to ensure a competitive and spirited event.
