The unmistakable spirit of the Ryder Cup is once again present in Rome, a city accompanied by an unmatched mystique, where Europe wants to avenge the beating received two years ago in Whistling Straits and the United States wants to end a 30-year drought of victories in the Old Continent . The dome of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican appears in the distance from the hills of the Marco Simone Country Club, like a divine inspiration for all those involved in the most beautiful battle that exists in the world of golf. In the only week that money disappears from the table and pride is put at stake. That of a country and that of a continent, the same one that unites staunch rivals for a common fight: winning a Ryder.
“All men die but not all men live, you have made me proud.” This phrase, spoken by José María Olázabal in 2012 after the legendary European triumph in Medinah, presides over one of the walls in the common rooms of the European team. In the Europa locker room there are thirteen lockers. One for each player and an honorary one with the name of Severiano Ballesteros, whose images are repeated in those common rooms. It's all part of Luke Donald's plan, urgently recruited as captain after the sudden dismissal of Henrik Stenson due to his joining the LIV, who is emerging as a great leader. The Englishman is sparing no effort to bring out the feelings of his men, seven of whom suffered the humiliation of Whistling Straits. Last Monday, each golfer received a surprise video from someone close to them as motivation to compete in the Ryder and more than one burst into tears. In addition, the 5,000 people who will crowd the stands on the 1st tee early in the morning for the opening shot of the tournament will be surprised by something that Luke Donald has prepared and that "had never been seen before," as they say from the side. European.
With motivation at its peak, Donald's hardest job will be to make up the pairs. The chemistry between the players is essential. “My team is where I wanted it to be,” he congratulates himself. But the statistical section also plays a fundamental role. And here, vice-captain Dodo Molinari is the star of the movie. The result has been that, to begin with, Europe will start with Rahm and the Englishman Hatton in the first game. Zach Johnson was clearer, whose couples were more predictable. That of Scheffler, world number one, and his close friend Sam Burns, also match play world champion, will be the one to face the Barrika lion. The morning foursomes session will be closed by another couple that is as anticipated as it is fearsome, that of Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay, almost unbeatable. Before them, Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood, two sure values for whom a most complicated mission awaits. The one who will remain on the starting bench of Brooks Koepka, the only member of the LIV present in this Ryder, in which it will be inevitable not to remember the absent Sergio García or Ian Poulter.
Since losing in 1993 at The Belfry to the United States of Tom Watson, Raymond Floyd and Chip Beck, Europe has won every Ryder match it has played at home. Starting with Valderrama in 1997 and ending with Paris in 2018. A streak that the American team has stuck in its mind. “I know what history says, I have it very much in mind. It is difficult to win outside your comfort zone but we see this Ryder as an opportunity,” remarked its captain, Zach Johnson, who chose to wink at the close bond between Italy and the United States to put the public in his pocket during a spectacular ceremony. inauguration. “American life has been enriched by the arrival of millions of Italian emigrants over the centuries. “Italy has given us a lot and we hope to give it back this week with a victory,” encouraged the Iowan. In a Ryder Cup, emotions are everything. The show begins.
