They well may call this the massacre at Whistling Straits, where team Europe was disembowelled by a super American team. Amid the many congratulations for Steve Stricker’s boys there will be questions asked of the Europeans. Why were Europe so lacklustre in their efforts and results? In the end Harrington’s team were poor on the greens and unable to make the putts when needed. Playing in front of such a loud and one-sided crowd would be challenging I imagine. The Covid effected Ryder Cup was a year late and only one team really showed up for the contest in Wisconsin.  Indeed, were Europe whistling Dixie in their hope for a good showing at this Pete Dye designed course on the shores of Lake Michigan?

Ryder Cup Lop Sided Result in Wisconsin

Many golfing commentators have made much of the fact that the USA Ryder Cup team contained 8 of the best players in the world according to rankings. However, at this level and historically these statistical considerations usually do not matter that much. What is true is that the Americans made the putts when it mattered and got the job done with plenty to spare. I must admit that from afar I had my doubts about Padraig Harrington as captain of the European team. Whether this was a factor or not only time will tell. Rory McIllroy in tears told a story about how much the disappointment of the situation mattered to him.

Was Europe Too Old to Fire at Whistling Straits?

Rory was underwhelming over the first two days in his performances. He did win his singles match over Xander Schaufelle on the Sunday. In many ways it seemed that the European team was unprepared to go hard from the outset of this edition of the Ryder Cup. Was this team too old with players like Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, Paul Casey, and Sergio Garcia on the wrong side of 40? Were there too many fat guys with beards pulling on the blue shirts for Europe? Team Europe failed to be competitive against this American force at Whistling Straits in the 2020 Ryder Cup. The massacre in Wisconsin was comprehensive by a fit, young USA team hell bent on victory.

Dustin Johnson was superb in all his matches. Collin Morikawa was equally impressive despite his rookie status. Brookes Koepka was solid throughout, as was Scottie Scheffler, Tony Finau, Harris English, Bryson DeChambeau, and the entire USA team. The fact that there were minimal fans from Europe because of the Covid pandemic did impact the overall ambience of the event. The American mob was loud and boorish to the ears of this neutral spectator. The Ryder Cup will continue and Europe will hope to do better in Rome.

The Spaniards were the best performed for Europe over the first two days with Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia winning their matches. Victor Hovland played well but could not make the putts needed to win his matches. Tommy Fleetwood failed to fire here. Europe was a team missing something across the board.

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