Key figures I'll be watching as the Ryder Cup Gears up in Rome!
It's been 30 years since the US won the Ryder Cup in Europe, will that streak end in 2023?!
Can you believe that 1993 was thirty years ago? I wasn’t even alive 30 years ago! Thirty years ago, Bernhard Langer won The Masters, “Sleepless in Seattle” debuted, and Bill Clinton was inaugurated as the 42nd U.S. president. During that same year, Team USA, led by Tom Watson, flew over to England and captured the Ryder Cup at the Belfry. And, while that victory remains legendary, it grows more unfamiliar as the unfortunate Team USA losing streak in Europe continues. Like a distant cousin, you see only at the family picnic once every decade, this year’s twelve American players know little about an away victory. Come Thursday, Team Europe aims to widen this gap.
Welcome to Marco Simone Country Club!
Making its first appearance as a Ryder Cup venue, Marco Simone Country Club welcomes each team to a coliseum-like experience. Located 11 miles outside of the city center, Marco Simone offers spectacular views of St Peter’s Basilica and the local Olive Garden. Not that anyone traveled to Rome to sightsee. In 2021, Tom Fazio II led and completed a course redesign with an intentional eye toward golf holes fit for match-play drama. In particular, Marco Simone includes plenty of elevation change, especially on the second nine, where matches tend to ignite like wildfires. These hills and slopes form natural amphitheaters for the spectators to create imposing atmospheres. Without a doubt, possibly shirtless European supporters will line these mounds like sheep spread across the countryside, eager to claim a win of their own. Moreover, this vertical architecture scheme allows players, caddies, and fans to witness different holes simultaneously, building up drama from all directions. Fingers crossed, the Italian canvas dictates artistry and craftsmanship as the two teams tackle the 7,268-yard test.
Ryder Cup Captains Face Off For The First Time!
European team captain Luke Donald brings a career of consistent excellence to Rome. With 13 professional wins between the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, Donald knows how to get the job done, no matter the conditions. In addition to his six Ryder Cup appearances, the Northwestern graduate reached No. 1 in the world in 2011. His six Captain’s Picks include a blend of experienced stalwarts with new boys, eager to make a strong first impression. Donald faces the weight of home-field advantage mixed with the aforementioned 30-year home winning streak. He must secure the victory or suffer the immense criticism. Standing across the tee box, Zach Johnson leads the US team across the pond. Johnson, a 5-time Ryder Cup participant, maximized his career to incredible levels. Winning the 2007 Masters and 2015 Open Championship reveals how well Johnson was able to command his game in the most demanding moments. But, will he be able to command his group full of superstars? Time will tell. Above all, it's imperative that Johnson’s program includes a team room filled with camaraderie, chemistry, and Kentucky waterfalls.
Ludvig Aberg Rounds Out Team Europe!
The European player everyone (or maybe just Tron from No Laying Up) is talking about is Ludvig Aberg. Rewind to April of this year, Aberg was busy dominating college golf at events such as the Thunderbird Collegiate. Representing Texas Tech, Aberg beat up on opponents named Bard Bjornevik Skogen and Sam Sommerhauser. No chance you’ve heard of them either. Two weeks ago, the 23-year-old claimed his first professional win on the DP World Tour at the European Masters. Like Augusta, but different. Soon, Aberg will be the first player in history to play in a Ryder Cup before competing in his first major championship. Facing the likes of Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka, the young Swede must bring his A-game. These opponents sound a bit more daunting than the boys at the Thunderbird Collegiate. How’s that for baptism by fire? It’s clear to me that Luke Donald made a long-term investment into Team Europe with his decision to include Ludvig Aberg. But, this doesn't mean the top-100 ranked young gun will have the stomach on the first tee!
Justin Thomas Has A Lot To Prove As A Team USA Captain's Pick!
To all of the golf junkies out there hooting and hollering for Patrick Reed to make the team, fear not. We have our Captain America, but his name is Justin Thomas. Through two appearances on the USA’s Ryder Cup team, Thomas carries a stout record of 6-2-1. In his rookie year in Paris, in 2018, Thomas contributed the most points to Team USA with 4 wins and 1 loss. During the announcement of Team USA’s captain’s picks, Zach Johnson spoke about JT. Johnson mentioned "He has without question been the heart and soul of Team USA at Ryder Cups. Our emotional leader. In my mind, he was born for this. You just don't leave JT at home." These are strong remarks toward a guy we watched swing through pool noodles two weeks ago. Never mind my sarcasm, his history and commitment deserve the utmost respect. This past week in Napa at the Fortinet Championship, Thomas added 3/4th of an inch to his driver and averaged 340 yards off the tee. JT has been in the lab, and Team USA must maximize these bombs when standing tall against Team Europe. In the Netflix documentary, Full Swing, Justin Thomas’ dad said that JT’s bad is still really good. Even though his 2023 season has been abysmal, will this statement ring true in Rome?
The Stakes Of Professional Golf Reach Their Peak When Playing For A Ryder Cup!
As we approach the first day, think about what's at stake. Think less about the Roman Empire. For the Europeans, the mission is simple. They must protect their house. In my opinion, Luke Donald’s squad does not have the depth of Team USA, yet they have valuable intangibles at their disposal. Having hosted three Italian Opens in recent years, Team Europe will be intimately familiar with this DP World Tour venue. For the Americans, victory will demand something different. From quieting the crowds to playing as a unit, Team USA has its hands full. Hopefully, their games travel to Italy and their luggage is Louis. Salud!
As a freelance writer, Taylor McCutcheon will focus on golf adjacent, cultural content in the world of golf. Welcome Taylor to the team and help spread the word by sharing his content.
***Taylor's opinions and commentary are his own and do not necessarily represent the Tour Junkies as a whole.