Three-time European Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallacher reckons Keegan Bradley faces a mammoth challenge if his ‘untested’ American squad is to prevent defeat on home turf next week. The event gets underway at Bethpage Black in New York on September 26, with Team Europe looking to retain the trophy under the watchful eye of captain Luke Donald. In response to Europe’s comprehensive victory in Rome two years ago, the PGA of America made the surprise decision to name Bradley as skipper.
The 39-year-old becomes the youngest Ryder Cup captain since Arnold Palmer in 1963, and Gallacher reckons the magnitude of the challenge facing Bradley is colossal. He and his squad completed their preparations in Napa, California, over the weekend before travelling to Bethpage next week. There are four debutants in the 12-man American lineup, with JJ Spaun, Russell Henley, Cam Young and Ben Griffin all poised to make their maiden Ryder Cup bow.
In stark contrast, 11 players from the triumphant European side in Rome are back, with Rasmus Hojgaard taking the place of his twin brother, Nicolai, in the sole alteration.
Gallacher thinks Europe holds a significant edge because of this, leaving Bradley and his team facing an 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.”
Home advantage has proved a crucial element in the previous five tournaments, with the host nation triumphing on each occasion. The most recent away victory came in 2012 when Jose Maria Olazabal’s European squad achieved the ‘Miracle at Medinah’.
A passionate home gallery will undoubtedly provide massive support for Bradley and his squad, yet Gallacher reckons this European outfit, led by Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm, will have every opportunity 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.”
