Zach Johnson did his best to dispel any notion that he was unhappy with his team’s performance during the first day of matches at 2023 Ryder Cup.
The United States captain was proud of his team’s fight, despite the fact that the Americans were in a 61/2-1 1/2 hole against Europeans in Rome, Italy. The U.S. lost all four matches on Friday, and were swept by the Europeans in the morning foursomes session. However, they managed to draw three fourball matches during the afternoon.
Johnson did, however, hint that the Americans might not be 100% in the health department. When asked if the afternoon lineup had been scripted, he replied that there were some things they could control and others they couldn’t. He then answered a second question.
Johnson stated that there were some unexpected things we had to deal with, which was unfortunate in terms of health. It’s not an explanation, since we have depth. But I’ll say that I’m grateful to have a team physician.
We’re fighting internally, you know. The ball is passed around, caddies and players. It is what is. It’s not more than that. The guys are playing and fighting regardless. It’s not something that has weighed us down, because we have so many options and we are so deep.
After what happened on Friday, it’s not something that American fans would want to hear. Others may see it as an excuse from the U.S. Some may see it as a crutch for the American team that was limping after the first game.
Johnson went into more detail about the illness in his later press conference.
Johnson stated that there was some congestion, and other signs of unfortunate things. It’s one of those situations where the energy level is low but the desire and ability to play are still there. We weigh that. Each of them wants to play in every match. This is encouraging.
It has spread through my team. “It has spread throughout my team.”
Before Saturday’s game, the Americans may need to take NyQuil and Benadryl.
