CHASKA, MN—With the first American win since 2008 now completed, the bi-annual Ryder Cup Matches now go into dormancy until they resume again in 2018 -- in France for the first time with Paris serving as the host at Le Golf National. The American victory clearly vindicated the “task force” concept put into motion when Team USA suffered its third consecutive loss in 2014 at Gleneagles in Scotland. Nonetheless, the American squad needs to show it’s victory in Minnesota at Hazeltine National is more than just a fluke. Winning on foreign soil for the first time since 1993 at The Belfry will be a tall order and the next challenge to overcome.
For Europe this year’s Ryder Cup exposed a few elements previously not really examined given its overall dominance in recent years. Both sides will need to inhale deeply what each experienced and apply the lessons so that respectively they will have the best possibility in securing the Ryder Cup in two years time.
Lesson 1: Go with younger guys when dealing with Captain picks.
For a number of years the belief in deciding Captain picks was favor the experienced veteran -- someone who had played in past Ryder Cups and could be counted on for leadership with younger players. The reality is a good bit different in today’s golf world. Years ago the “rookie” or inexperienced player would need sufficient time to acclimate themselves to the pressure cooker that is Ryder Cup golf. That’s changed immeasurably as younger players today are coming onto various world tours ready to win.
