Team USA golfer Sam Burns reacts to his shot on the 18th hole during the final day of the 44th Ryder Cup golf competition at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club. Adam Cairns-USA TODAY Sports

United States' 30-year drought on foreign soil continues with another Ryder Cup defeat

Once again, the United States failed to meet massive expectations at the Ryder Cup.

In the 11th match, Rickie Fowler drove a ball into the water on the 16th hole. His gaffe set up a Tommy Fleetwood putt that secured a 16 1/2-11 1/2 victory for the European team.

The U.S. has struggled at the Ryder Cup, especially on foreign soil. It hasn't won in Europe since 1993.

After a 2021 victory, there was hope for the U.S. this year. It held a talented roster, which included world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler. Nonetheless, Scheffler, a 2022 Masters champion, failed to play his best golf. He went 0-2-2 without a single victory. 

Consequently, the rest of the team struggled. Jordan Spieth, Xander Schauffele and Justin Thomas all posted losing records. The Americans only won four matches through the tournament's first two days. Even though the United States mounted a late comeback on Sunday, cutting the deficit to four points, it was inconsequential due to the hole the team dug itself into.

American captain Zach Johnson shouldered the blame after the disappointing defeat.

"It's on me," Johnson told Sky Sports after the loss. "I'll reflect. I'll have time at some point on this, and Team USA will be better off at some point." 

Per longtime golf writer and Barstool Sports contributor Dan Rapoport, the U.S. took a four-week break before the tournament, while the Europeans' break only lasted two weeks. This may have made a difference and negatively affected Johnson's decision-making. 

Regardless, the U.S. must make changes before the next Ryder Cup in 2025, as Europe has dominated the event. Since 2010, the Americans have flopped, losing five of the last seven matchups. 

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
West Point alum made history in his MLB debut with Reds
Heat legend cautions Lakers against hiring JJ Redick
Welcome to the WNBA: Caitlin Clark sets infamous record in debut
Jalen Brunson leads Knicks to blowout win in Game 5 vs. Pacers
Nikola Jokic torches DPOY to lead Nuggets past Wolves in Game 5
Oilers use late heroics to tie Canucks at two games each
Watch: Astros pitcher ejected after foreign substance check
Kirk Cousins not angry with Falcons because winning is 'hard enough'
Bronny James has surprising comments on potentially teaming up with LeBron
Bills add two-time Super Bowl champ to new-look WR room
Brewers lose team-leading home run hitter to injured list
Sandy Alderson denies involvement in Mets, Billy Eppler IL controversy
Twins reliever shut down for six weeks with patellar tendon tear
Chris Finch throws shade at Nuggets star over Rudy Gobert’s fine
Cardinals head coach warns not to bet against Kyler Murray
Details emerge on Jason Kelce’s role at ESPN
Rangers defenseman wins Mark Messier Leadership Award
Ex-NFL head coach takes over as Arena Football League commish
Yankees young stud takes major step in return from injury
See top groupings for Rounds 1 and 2 at 2024 PGA Championship