In a revealing moment during a recent interview, Patrick Cantlay, the American golf sensation, dissected the striking dominance of the European team in the Ryder Cup, a phenomenon that has been palpable since his own debut in the prestigious tournament in 2021. This seasoned golfer, who turned professional in 2012, played a pivotal role in the U.S. victory at the 2021 Ryder Cup but faced the bitter taste of defeat in 2023 as the European squad continued their reign.
The statistics tell a compelling story: the European team has secured victory in nine of the last twelve editions of the Ryder Cup leading up to 2021, establishing a formidable legacy in this biennial battle. Cantlay, with an insightful perspective, stated, “These matches are only played every two years, and golf is very chancy. So would it surprise you if the U.S. went on a similar run to what Europe has been on for the next 20 years? Wouldn’t surprise me.”
To emphasize his point, he invoked a unique analogy drawn from the game of gin. He elaborated, “So I’ve read a few gin books. Let’s see if I get it right. If you play enough gin hands, a one or two percent difference in skill translates to almost an assured win over many, many, many hands of gin.” He further explained the unpredictable nature of the game, saying, “But you could have a big difference between somebody, maybe a 60-to-40% skill level difference, and gin is still chancy enough to where you could play 10 hands and lose six or seven of the hands than someone that’s much worse than you skill-wise.”
The European team’s dominance has been particularly pronounced in the Ryder Cup, with a remarkable streak of three consecutive victories from 2002 to 2006. The U.S. team, under the leadership of Paul Azinger, managed to break this streak in 2008, but the Europeans quickly regained their footing with subsequent wins. The U.S. team did manage to clinch victory in 2016, yet the Europeans returned to claim the title again in 2023, leaving enthusiasts eager for the next showdown in 2025.
Looking ahead, Cantlay is preparing to make his mark in the upcoming Ryder Cup, set to be his third consecutive appearance. Despite finishing in 15th place in the automatic qualification standings, he earned a coveted spot as a captain’s pick. U.S. Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley has assembled a roster that includes notable players like Cameron Young, Justin Thomas, Sam Burns, Ben Griffin, and Collin Morikawa, alongside automatic qualifiers such as Bryson DeChambeau and Scottie Scheffler.
The stage is set for the 2025 Ryder Cup at the iconic Bethpage Black Course, where the U.S. team will be eager to reclaim victory on their home turf. With the stakes higher than ever, all eyes will be on Cantlay and his teammates as they strive to rewrite the narrative of this historic rivalry. The anticipation is palpable, and fans worldwide are ready to witness what promises to be another thrilling chapter in Ryder Cup history.
