Why Rory McIlroy and Co. Are Wearing White Polos With Yellow Sleeves? Reason Explored

What psychological weapon has Captain Luke Donald deployed that could give Europe their best chance at an away Ryder Cup victory in over a decade? The answer isn’t in their swing changes or course strategy – it’s hanging in their wardrobes.

On Tuesday at Bethpage Black, the European Ryder Cup team stepped onto the practice range wearing white polos with yellow sleeves and navy collars. While casual observers might have seen just another team uniform, these colors carry profound significance. The white polos represent one of European golf’s greatest triumphs – the dramatic 1995 comeback victory at Oak Hill Country Club, where Europe overcame a 9-7 deficit to win 14½-13½ in what many consider their finest away performance.

Captain Luke Donald has orchestrated this tribute as part of his “Away Wins” theme, specifically designed to inspire his players by celebrating Europe’s rare but historic victories on American soil. “I think it’s always important to rally around something,” Donald explained. “We always have things that we come up with that are important to us. History and our unity and celebrating what we’ve done in the past and the legends that have kind of come before us is really important.”