The players taking part in the 44th edition of the Ryder Cup have been speaking ahead of the highly-anticipated tournament which kicks off on Friday. We take a look at some of the key quotes from the press conferences.
No Tattoo Plans
Team Europe captain Luke Donald has clarified that he does not have intentions of getting a tattoo if his team triumphes in this years tournament.
Famously, Thomas Bjorn, Team Europe’s captain in the 2018 edition of the Ryder Cup got a tattoo following his teams success at Le Golf National. In the 2021 edition, Padraig Harrington promised to do the same.
“No guarantees on the tattoo,” Donald said. “I certainly don’t have any on my body, just to let you in. But I’m sure we can find a suitable way to celebrate if it goes our way on Sunday.”
“A Generational Talent”
When asked about one of his wildcard picks, Ludvig Aberg, Donald spoke glowingly of the rookie golfer.
“When you play with certain players you can tell they have certain talents. You see them hit golf balls and are blown away, just by the difference in strike, sound, trajectory. How he can drive a golf ball is very impressive.
“He was doing some amazing things – the No 1 college player by a stretch. He then turned pro and had some great results. He was very unfazed when he knew I was watching him.
“Every week he kept getting better and better and his pedigree is just starting. He is just starting to write his history and is a generational talent. I am looking forward to him lapping up this experience.”
“I Feel Like My Team is Ready”
Donald also expressed belief in his team ahead of the tournament but also stated that the challenge “is going to be difficult.”
“As a captain you have to be confident and I certainly have a lot of belief in my team. You have to have belief that you’re going to get them into a place where they are going to be successful.
“It is going to be difficult – the US team are very strong, high up in the world rankings and they have some great partnerships and have had a lot of success. We are coming off our worst defeat ever.
“We have our work cut out but I am looking forward to seeing how it unfolds. I feel like my team is ready. I am very excited about the team I have and the challenge ahead.
Team USA’s Record in Europe
Team USA Captain Zach Johnson was questioned about his team’s record in Europe having not won a Ryder Cup away since 1993.
“It is hard to win outside of your comfort zone, hard to win against a team that has always been very formidable,” Johnson said.
“The European teams have been very good, very deep and this year is no different. I know what history says, I am very aware of that, but speaking to my team, these guys are ready and want to embrace that difficulty.
The European Fans
U.S players Patrick Cantlay and Jordan Spieth have emphasized the importance of their team embracing the European fans who will be supporting their rivals.
“Everyone knows who they are rooting for the whole time,” Cantlay said. “That’s what makes it so fun to watch and play.”
“I try to have a lot of fun with it,” Spieth said. “Although the fans are rooting against you, they are very educated.
“If you have fun with them, they will have fun with you. I have had great memories from my two away Ryder Cups and hope for more this week.”
“The Europeans Won’t Be Underestimating Us”
Spieth also acknowledged the high caliber of Team Europe’s squad, while also expressing confidence that the Europeans won’t disregard his team.
“The Europeans won’t be underestimating us and I think it is going to be a great match,” Spieth said. “The European players are playing great golf and have a fantastic crowd around them. We have a tall order but we have a phenomenal group of guys as well.”
Excitement
Team USA’s Justin Thomas expressed his excitement on taking part in the competition and states that the Ryder Cup is a competition that brings out different feelings.
“I am very excited, this is as good as it gets. It’s something that is hard to put into words, the feelings that go through your body and head when you are out competing trying to win points in a Ryder Cup is something I haven’t felt anywhere us.”