The US Ryder Cup team is in disarray, and it's a mess that seems beyond repair. But why? After yet another defeat to the Europeans, the American camp is searching for answers, but the solutions seem as elusive as ever.
A Task Force That Failed to Deliver
In the aftermath of the 2014 Ryder Cup loss, the PGA of America President, Ted Bishop, appointed Tom Watson as the US captain for the Gleneagles matches. This decision backfired spectacularly, resulting in another loss and a public rift between Watson and Phil Mickelson. The fallout led to the formation of a much-hyped task force, with Mickelson expressing optimism for the future.
But here's where it gets controversial. The task force was disbanded in 2015, replaced by a Ryder Cup committee. Despite winning two of the five Ryder Cups since then, the Americans still lack a consistent formula for success. The Europeans, on the other hand, have dominated the competition, owning the Ryder Cup both literally and figuratively.
A System in Need of Reform
The Ryder Cup committee, consisting of PGA Tour players and PGA of America executives, operates on a rotation system. However, there's a growing sentiment to bring back Keegan Bradley as captain for the 2027 matches in Ireland. This raises questions about the committee's effectiveness and the lack of a long-term strategy.
The PGA of America, with its 31,000 club professionals, owns the Ryder Cup when it's played in the US, yet it has little direct involvement with players outside of the PGA Championship. The current president, Don Rea Jr., made a controversial comparison between fan behavior at the Ryder Cup and youth soccer games, downplaying the vitriol directed at players.
A Historical Divide
The issues run deeper than recent task forces. In 1968, a rift emerged between touring pros and PGA professionals, leading to the formation of the modern PGA Tour. The touring pros took control of the lucrative World Series of Golf, leaving the Ryder Cup behind. This decision has had lasting consequences, creating a disconnect between the PGA Tour and the Ryder Cup.
A Tale of Two Tours
The European Tour owns a significant stake in Ryder Cup Europe and has a comprehensive selection process. In contrast, the PGA Tour owns none of the Ryder Cup and merely supplies the players. This disparity in ownership and involvement has contributed to the Americans' struggles. The 1999 money dispute and the lack of a winning template further highlight the need for a strategic overhaul.
Mickelson's vision of a blueprint for success has yet to materialize. The buddy system and Mickelson's departure to LIV Golf have only added to the chaos. Could handing management to the PGA Tour be the answer? It might not guarantee victory, but it's a step towards addressing the underlying issues.
The US Ryder Cup team's struggles are a complex web of historical decisions, ownership disputes, and strategic missteps. As the Americans search for a winning formula, one thing is clear: the current approach needs a radical rethink. Will the PGA of America make the necessary changes, or will the Europeans continue to reign supreme? The future of the Ryder Cup hangs in the balance, and the world of golf eagerly awaits the next chapter.
