Disastrous, disappointing, and tasteless display of team golf. The United States went to Europe with their eyes on retaining the Ryder Cup after winning at Whistling Straights in 2021. The United States captain, Zach Johnson, had already been in the spotlight for his questionable captain’s pick going into the cup in taking Justin Thomas. Thomas had one of the worst years of his career in 2023, but because of his past performances, he was selected by Zach Johnson who responded to the pick by saying “he has without question been the heart and soul of Team USA at Ryder Cups.” Instead of asking golfers like Keegan Bradley or Cameron Young, who both have had solid seasons. Johnson instead decided to take a risk on Thomas, and it did not pay off at all. Thomas only won one out of his four matches and the win was meaningless because Europe had already clinched the cup.

Another disappointing captain’s pick was Jordan Spieth. Spieth has had a very up-and- down year. He was able to make the FedEx Cup playoffs, and he was expected to be picked, but his play was very disappointing in Europe. Spieth was only able to win 0.5 points for the U.S.A by tying his last match of the tournament. He lost his first three matches in decisive fashion. Overall, the United States looked disastrous and not completely together. A reason for that could be the season’s one-year wonders. Players like Brian Harman and Wyndham Clark are not normally names you hear at the Ryder Cup. Wyndham had early success in the year winning at the Farmers Insurance Open, and then again at the United States Open. Grabbing his first major win propelled him near the top of the points list to guarantee a spot in the Ryder Cup. Other than a particularly good end to the season Wyndham looked average from the time of the U.S Open until the Ryder Cup. Brian Harman was a player that won the British Open out of nowhere. He is an exceptional short game player who was able to withstand the English weather and fly home with the Claret Jug. Harman, unlike Clark, looked on the brink of winning the entire year and was finally able to get it done in one of the biggest golf tournaments of the year. However, when both players entered Rome it all went south. Harman finished with a 1-2 record while Wyndham finished with a 1-1-1 record. Both players had exceptionally forgettable performances, and we do not know if we will see either of them in future Ryder Cups. The United States were also unable to take LIV golfers to the Ryder Cup. Not because they could not, but because they wanted to send a message that their leaving meant they would lose out on their opportunity to play in the cup. Players like Dustin Johnson and Bryson Dechambeau were unable to play. Both of those players give outstanding distance and opportunities for the United States to win.

With the loss of these players and the rising power of the European’s it is no surprise that the United States lost this Ryder Cup.