Luke Donald unleashes first Ryder Cup twist on Team USA to get 'fast start'

26 September 2023 , 20:15

606     0

European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald has defended his decision to switch to foursomes as he looks for a fast start (Image: PA)

Team Europe captain Luke Donald has sprung a surprise twist ahead of the Ryder Cup after deciding that his team will start with foursomes in Rome.

His decision to switch to foursomes for the first morning session on Friday at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club comes as a major surprise. It is the first time since 1993 that Europe have opened with foursomes, which coincidentally was the last time the US won on foreign soil.

However, Donald has decided to overlook history in that respect as he looks to mastermind a "fast start" for his team. Despite Europe starting the Ryder Cup with fourballs in every edition since 1997, it seems that the Englishman's call is instead with back modern statistical analysis.

Speaking as Team Europe look to avenge a record 19 - 9 defeat at Whistling Straits against the US in the last edition, he said: "We feel like as a team, statistically, we are stronger in foursomes within our team than we would be in four-balls. Why not get off to a fast start? That's it."

Europe have been slightly stronger than the USA in foursomes than fourballs over the past 15 years. They just edge things in that respect, having won 25 matches compared to the USA's 24 in that period.

Matt Fitzpatrick lauds "impressive" Gareth Bale ahead of PGA Tour debut

However, it is worth noting that the last time Europe won an opening foursomes session was all the way back in 1999 - when they went on to lose the Ryder Cup in USA. However, Donald is hopeful that his bold decision will pay dividends as he looks to build on the four editions he won as a player.

He said: "As Captain, you have to be confident. I certainly have a lot of belief in my team, I know it's going to be a difficult next few days, it really is. The U.S. Team are really strong, we know that. We are coming off our worst defeat ever in a Ryder Cup.

Rome hosts this year's Ryder Cup and Luke Donald has now made a major decision over format ((Photo by Darren Carroll/PGA of America))

"WU.S. players are strong, they're high up in the world rankings, they have some great partnerships, have had a lot of success so we will have our work cut out. But you have to have belief in your team that you're going to get them into a place where they can be successful."

One major form of inspiration for Europe in Rome will be the heroics of their woman counterparts as they retained the Solheim Cup in Malaga. They fought back from 4-0 down after the opening session to eventually draw 14-14 and Donald believes that this can help to spur his team on.

He said: "Obviously after a very tough start, and going down 4-0 to the U.S., I thought it was a very admirable comeback. Some great golf by both teams. A lot of the guys were talking about it, a lot of the guys were posting stuff on their socials. You know, I think that's only good inspiration for our team going forward this week."

Tom Beattie