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Team USA is looking for just its third win in the last 20 years at the 2021 Ryder Cup. The last two victories for the United States were in 2008 and 2016.
As Team USA hopes to regain the trophy this weekend, let’s not forget about the horrible loss in 2018. It was the second-largest margin of defeat in American team history, 17.5-10.5.
MORE: Ryder Cup teams 2021: Full list of USA, European golfers
Here’s a breakdown of what went wrong with the 2018 team:
Bryson DeChambeau Ryder Cup record
While there was plenty of blame to go around, it doesn’t help that a few USA golfers went winless. One of those golfers still looking for his first Ryder Cup victory is Bryson DeChambeau (0-3-0). It was his first time representing Team USA, and he went 0-2 in foursomes and 0-1 in singles. DeChambeau hasn’t spoken publicly about his winless record.
Golf Digest recently ranked all 24 golfers who will participate at this year’s Ryder Cup. DeChambeau was ranked No. 18 overall and was the second lowest USA teammate, despite his world ranking at No. 7. Part of the reason is his winless record in team play, including not winning any of his President’s Cup rounds.
DeChambeau leads the PGA Tour with the highest driving average at 323.7 yards. He claims to have “wrecked” his hands due to his driving technique. However, he followed up this week saying it isn’t a problem.
DeChambeau will also be in the spotlight for the drama surrounding him and Brooks Koepka, although DeChambeau said Tuesday via The Athletic that they are moving on from their feud.
MORE: Bryson DeChambeau wants to ‘move on’ from Brooks Koepka feud
Woods and Mickelson go winless
On top of DeChambeau going winless in 2018, Ryder Cup veterans Phil Mickelson (0-2-0) and Tiger Woods (0-4-0) also didn’t capture a victory for Team USA. Woods hasn’t played for a winning Ryder Cup team since 1999. The three of these players were captain’s picks by Furyk, with the fourth being Tony Finau, who scored two points for the team.
Woods was only the fourth Team USA member in history to lose all four points.
No Points in 4+ Matches – Ryder Cup Since 1979
Team
2018 Tiger Woods USA
2012 Steve Stricker USA
1997 Davis Love III USA
1983 Raymond Floyd USA— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 30, 2018
In 2008 and 2016, Woods didn’t play for either of those teams. This year, he won’t be attending the Ryder Cup as an official captain or as a player due to his severe car crash that happened back in February. Mickelson will act as a vice captain for Steve Stricker this year.
MORE: Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka insist feud will be ‘non-issue’
What else went wrong in 2018
Additionally, Team Europe had a home course advantage with the Ryder Cup being held in France. Eleven of the U.S. golfers had just played at the Tour Championship and blamed fatigue as one of the reasons for poor performance, especially with jet lag added onto that. Since this year’s event is held at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin, they won’t have to worry about the major time difference.
Looking at this week, six golfers from the 2018 team come back, including Justin Thomas (4-1-0) and Jordan Spieth (3-2-0), who had the best two records for Team USA in 2018. The other six teammates for the 2021 team have never participated in the Ryder Cup, so they will have a lot to learn.
The 2021 Ryder Cup begins Friday, Sept. 24 and runs through Sunday, Sept. 26.
Ryder Cup past winners
In the tournament’s history, Team USA has captured 26 wins, while Team Europe only has 14. However, in the last 20 years, Team USA has only won twice (2008, 2016).
Year | Winner | Location |
2018 | Europe | Le Golf National, France |
2016 | USA | Hazeltine National, Minnesota |
2014 | Europe | Gleneagles Resort, Scotland |
2012 | Europe | Medinah, Illinois |
2010 | Europe | Celtic Manor Resort, Wales |
2008 | USA | Valhalla Golf Club, Kentucky |
2006 | Europe | The K Club, Ireland |
2004 | Europe | Oakland Hills, Michigan |
2002 | Europe | The Belfry, England |
1999 | USA | The Country Club, Massachusetts |
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