The 2023 Ryder Cup was, for lack of a better word, an ass-kicking. Team USA fell behind 4-0 in the morning matches of Day 1 at Marco Simone Golf Club in Italy, and that was basically all she wrote. By Day 2, it was clear the Americans would continue their 30-year drought of Ryder Cup losses on foreign soil. With sights now set on dominating the Americans in their homeland, Team Europe solidified its leadership by announcing captain Luke Donald will return for the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage in New York.
The move comes as a surprise because of how swiftly Team Europe acted. Typically, such picks aren't made until approximately 18 months prior to the event. This time, the decision came less than two months following a win in the previous tournament. We've seen captains return in consecutive Ryder Cups, but it's been roughly 30 years since Bernard Gallacher captained three consecutive events in the early 90s.
This decision came together quickly because the entire team, including Europe's vice captains, wanted Donald back after the experience in Rome. It seems this pick was never a matter of "if," but "when."
How Should Team USA Respond?
Team USA should be taking a long, hard look in the mirror following a blowout loss riddled with "splintered" team issues. It's imperative to bring energy at the Ryder Cup, and Team Europe is coming in full steam ahead to attempt the toughest feat of the tournament, winning on foreign soil.
The Americans need to rebound, and it starts at the top. Zach Johnson just wasn't the right guy to get the team going, and many believe he drastically mismanaged the team and its strengths.
But there's hope for Team USA, and it's exactly who you think.
Tiger Woods is the current betting favorite to take over as Team USA's captain for the 2025 Ryder Cup. If the Americans want to bring a burst of energy to Farmingdale, Woods is the ideal candidate. The 15-time major winner would get the most out of his players, especially as a winner at Bethpage.
Woods taking the reins opposite Donald would represent a true nostalgic battle for all who grew up watching golf. Donald vs. Woods; Captain Europe vs. Captain America.
Make it happen, Team USA. It would go down as one of the most memorable Ryder Cups in the history of the event.
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