Europe captain Luke Donald relishing return of Ryder Cup roar

ROME – Europe suffered their worst Ryder Cup defeat in 2021 at a hostile Whistling Straits, and captain Luke Donald believes the energy of the home crowd in Rome can be a decisive factor in reclaiming the trophy this week.

Former world No. 1 Donald was one of Padraig Harrington’s vice-captains two years ago, as the United States romped to a 19-9 win in a match sadly lacking European fans because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

But the 2023 edition will feel and sound much more like it for Donald’s dozen, with thousands of fans from across the continent descending on Rome’s Marco Simone course.

Plenty of Americans will make the trip too, but home advantage will definitely favour Europe as they look to continue their domination on home soil.

“In the end, we didn’t perform at the level we needed to perform at,” Donald on Monday said of the one-sided contest in 2021.

“The Americans were strong and they played how they know they can play. Certainly, being at home, we know that’s an advantage. We know it’s an advantage when you’re in the US.

“Having that support, that crowd behind you, it picks up your energy as a player and you feed off it.

“We are looking forward to having a lot more support this time around because it was lacking a lot because of Covid two years ago.”

United States captain Zach Johnson is attempting to mastermind a first American victory on European soil since a 15-13 victory at The Belfry 30 years ago.

Since then, Europe have enjoyed some notable victories in the US – including a rout at Oakland Hills in 2004 and the so-called “Miracle at Medinah” in 2012.

But, for whatever reason, the Americans have struggled to turn their rankings superiority into enough points to break their away jinx.

“I mean, it’s difficult. It’s hard to win outside of your comfort zone,” said Johnson, who featured on three American sides to lose in Europe.

“It’s hard to win against a team that’s always been very formidable. It’s really just that simple.

“But at the same time, I can speak confidently, and talking to my team, these guys are ready and want to embrace that difficulty and want to just look at this as a great opportunity.”

While Europe have traditionally become more than the sum of parts on home turf, the 2023 US team look formidable with three of the season’s Major champions available to Johnson in Brooks Koepka (PGA Championship), Wyndham Clark (US Open) and Brian Harman (The British Open).

Their line-up also includes former Major winners Collin Morikawa, Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler.

“The US are very strong. We know that. We are coming off our worst defeat ever in a Ryder Cup,” Donald said.

“The US players are high up in the world rankings and they have some great partnerships and have had a lot of success.

“We have our work cut out but, as I said, you have to have belief in your team.”

One veteran golfer who will not be in Rome in any capacity is Tiger Woods, who apparently is still recuperating from yet another ankle surgery in April to “address post-traumatic arthritis” in his right leg.

Johnson announced in late August that the 15-time Major champion would not travel with the team to Italy and, now that tournament week is here, “it’s probably best that we navigate this ourselves”.

“But he’s always in our corner, and at this point, it’s more encouragement on his side, whether he’s texting the guys or texting the vice-captains and captains,” he added.

“He’s there to encourage because he’s very invested in what we do year in and year out with Team USA, and that has never ceased, and I’m grateful for that.”

REUTERS, AFP