Three-time European Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallacher has warned Keegan Bradley that he has his work cut out for him if the “untested” American team is to avoid a home defeat next week.
The 45th Ryder Cup will kick off at Bethpage Black in New York on Sep. 26, with Luke Donald’s Europeans defending their title after a decisive win in Rome two years prior. In a surprising move, the PGA of America appointed world No. 12 Bradley as captain.
At 39, Bradley is the youngest Ryder Cup captain since Arnold Palmer, who was 34 in 1963. Gallacher believes Bradley faces a daunting task. Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy has revealed the drastic tactic Europe is taking to handle the rowdy home crowd.
He and his team spent the weekend preparing in Napa, California, before heading to Bethpage next week. The 12-man American team includes four rookies: J. J. Spaun, Russell Henley, Cam Young, and Ben Griffin, all making their first Ryder Cup appearances.
In contrast, 11 members of the victorious European team from Rome are returning, with Rasmus Hojgaard replacing his twin brother, Nicolai, as the only change.
Gallacher thinks Europe has a significant advantage, leaving Bradley and his players with a steep uphill battle in Long Island.
“For Luke, everything has fallen into place,” Gallacher told Bunkered. “As far as the Americans are concerned, I am sure Luke is watching and seeing four rookies. They are untested.
“The supporters are expecting all 12 of their players to play great. We know [Scottie] Scheffler is a great player, [Xander] Schauffele, Justin Thomas, Bryson [DeChambeau], [Collin] Morikawa. But do we know about Cam Young, J.J. Spaun, Russell Henley? No, we don’t. They may have even never attended a Ryder Cup. Keegan Bradley has got work to do and that is work that Luke does not have.”
The home advantage factor has proven crucial in the previous five Ryder Cup tournaments, with the host nation claiming victory each time. Europe’s last triumph on foreign soil came in 2012 when José María Olazábal’s squad achieved the legendary “Miracle at Medinah.”
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An enthusiastic home crowd will undoubtedly provide massive support for Bradley and his squad, yet Gallacher is convinced this European roster, led by Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm, possesses the capability to break the pattern.
“Europe has got a really good chance of breaking the dominance of the home side. It is a very experienced team, and everyone is playing well,” Gallacher said.
“It will be very close, even a drawn match, but I think Europe has too much experience for this American side. The only advantage the Americans have is the crowd, but I think our team is the better team to be honest.”
