By Kendall Capps
Copyright newsweek
One of the greatest events in all of sports is nearly upon us. The world’s best golfers have descended upon Bethpage Black Golf Course in Farmingdale, New York, for the 45th Ryder Cup.
Both the American and European squads are stacked, with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler leading Team USA and world No. 2 Rory McIlroy leading Team Europe.
On the eve of the tournament teeing off, McIlroy spoke with the media. He covered a wide variety of topics, including Bryson DeChambeau’s plan to get under his skin. But there was one particular moment that stood out, when the Northern Irishman addressed the importance of this year’s Ryder Cup.
“Over the past, you know, basically since 2012, you look at the results of the Ryder Cup. The home team has won every time,” McIlroy said.
“But they also have won convincingly. You know, it’s been pretty one-sided either way.
Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
“So whatever team, whether that’s Europe or America, that is the one to break that, that duck, I think honestly is going to go down as one of the best teams in Ryder Cup history.”
For decades, the vast majority of Ryder Cups were close and came down to Sunday singles. But the five-time major winner is spot on, with how home-field advantage has changed things in recent years.
Since 2012, Team USA has won both at home by a wide margin. They defeated the Europeans in 2016 at Hazeltine, 17 to 11. Four years later, the Americans set the record for the largest margin of victory, winning 19 to 9 at Whistling Straits.
Meanwhile, Europe handily took care of business on home soil as well. In 2014, they won 16.5 to 11.5 at Gleneagles. Then in 2018, they improved upon that with a 17.5 to 10.5 victory in France. Finally, two years ago, they embarrassed the Americans in Rome, 16.5 to 10.5. The final score was not indicative of how lopsided that tournament was, either.
Team Europe is returning 11 of the 12 players from Rome. The only change is a switch of twin brothers: Rasmus Hojgaard in place of Nicolai Hojgaard. The familiarity with each other may play a large role in determining who wins at Bethpage.
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