The Ryder Cup victory by Europe will not make every American unhappy. It may even diminish the significance of the singles matches on the final day. Taylor Swift fans will not be disappointed if their idol appears at an NFL match. Luke Donald, the captain of Europe, and his players should be credited for their outstanding performances. This is the biggest lopsided match in Rome since Christians faced lions on their own soil at the Coliseum. The U.S. will be criticized more than Europe.
The two U.S. teams who competed here in the past were riven by internal strife. In 2014, Scotland was the scene of a bitter dispute between Tom Watson, the skipper and Phredo Micelson his “I’m Smart!” critic. This led to a “task force,” a group therapy exercise disguised as redistributing responsibility. In Paris, Jordan Spieth was tired of Patrick Reed. (Let him who hasn’t thrown the first stone do so) Reed vented his complaints about his former partner in the media even before Europe finished the magnum of champagne.
The U.S. team in Rome has swapped acrimony and apathy for a performance that is more akin to the last morning on a trip with friends to Myrtle Beach. There are no thunderous hangovers, which would suggest at least some fun had been had. Zach Johnson’s squad is sadly lacking in fun.
This can be partly attributed to an unspecified illness in the U.S. Team Room, but missed fairways and putts don’t indicate any kind of infection. Viktor Hovland, Ludvig Aberg and their team won all three alternate shot holes on Saturday morning despite playing the first three in one over par. The U.S. team needed 11 matches to win an outright match.
Donald, like many European captains who came before him, was inspired by the ghost of Seve Balesteros this week. But the best way to describe his success is the philosophy of Lucius Seneca. He lived a few millennia back and said: “Luck happens when opportunity meets preparation.”
Luke Donald, captain of Team Europe, leaves a group photo before a practice round at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club. Adam Cairns, USA TODAY Sports
Donald prepared the meal himself. What was the opportunity? The opportunity was given to him.
Donald, who replaced Henrik Stenson, Europe’s former captain, had to prepare for five months less than his predecessor. This is not a small amount of time, especially in the context of a Cup cycle lasting two years. He refined the template used by his predecessors. The messaging was perfect, the social media image was brilliant, the unity was unbreakable, statistics were common sense and pairings were smart. Like many of his predecessors, he received some assistance from the opposition.
Johnson is as passionate about the Ryder Cup as he is about his patriotism. His vice captains are also passionate about the Ryder Cup. It’s just that this sentiment isn’t shared by everyone in the team. All twelve American players do not seem apathetic to be here. The majority of them are concerned. They care about it a lot. Apathy can spread quickly in team environments. It’s especially true when things are tough.
Europe adapted every aspect of Team USA’s performance and preparation to boost its confidence. The U.S. was three players short of a complete squad when they went on a reconnaissance trip in the beginning of this month. Spieth, however, had a valid excuse. Or when nine members of the team did not compete for one month before arriving in Rome. Even the guy from LIV checked the box. They’re the ones who want more time at home, according to rumors. Or when rumors spread that all prospective members of Johnson’s team had signed an agreement specifying their weekly obligations months ago. Only two people, however, recently signed the document. They may have heard that certain members of the U.S. squad are skipping meals to rest. You may also be aware that some Americans feel cheated because they are not paid to play.
It is difficult for people who are obsessed with money to give their time, even if it’s only a few hours, to a cause that doesn’t pay them. The impact of the money arms race on professional golf is not only apparent in the absence of veterans this week.
Marcus Aurelius, the ancient Roman Emperor, wrote: “A nobleman compares himself and evaluates himself with an idea higher than himself, and a mean person, by one that is lower than themselves.” “One produces aspiration, the other ambition. This is how a vulgar person aspires.”
Captain Johnson should have painted this on the wall in his team room. The U.S. faces a mountainous challenge on Sunday, and it is not made any easier by the perception of not all players sharing the same passion for the challenge. Who is it? You know who’s not apathetic? Keegan Bradley. Keegan Bradley.
