We are on the eve before the Ryder Cup kicks off morning matches for the 2023 competition. After a decisive 19-9 whipping that Team USA delivered last year in the United States, one might not know about the severity of this overseas win drought. However, it’s been an astounding 30 years since the United States won the Ryder Cup when playing on the road.
It was 1993 when Team USA won being captained by Tom Watson with the competition being played at The Belfry. To put that in player perspective that team’s outstanding point getters were none other than Raymond Floyd and Payne Stewart. The United States won with a final point total of 15-13.
This year’s event is back in Europe being played just outside Rome Italy. The matches will take place on the Marco Simone Golf Course.
Why this may be the year the United States ends the drought
While the European team is a slight favorite, this still could be the year that Team USA ends the drought. Why? The main reason is experience. While both teams are bringing four rookies to the event, the United States has an edge. Both Brian Harman and Wyndham Clark are major championship winners in 2023 with them winning the US Open and Open Championship respectively. The four European rookies have zero major championship wins.
Also, due to stringent anti-LIV policies by the DP World Tour, the core European Ryder Cup stalwarts have been banished from all playing and captain roles. Just as a reminder that includes removing their captain Henrik Stenson to start. Additionally, co-captains from 2021 Martin Kaymer and Graeme McDowell were also not invited back. From a player standpoint, Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Paul Casey are all gone for the same decision to move to LIV Golf.
While this will certainly not be an easy win for the USA, losing this much experience on Team Europe will certainly play a role in the story. For the US fans, matches start early. Due to time differences, marches start at 1:30AM tomorrow morning on USA network.