Europe's Ryder Cup win questions US leadership and future plans

Europe retained the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in late September, delivering a comprehensive victory over the United States that has prompted questions about U.S. leadership, crowd behavior and the tournament’s future organization. The defeat on home soil culminated a weekend in which the European side, captained by Luke Donald, dominated the early sessions and closed out the competition before a Sunday comeback could change the outcome.

Players, captains and commentators pointed to a contrast in preparation and team structure as a core reason for Europe’s edge. Critics said the Europeans arrived with a coherent, year‑round support system and proven pairings; U.S. critics faulted inconsistent selection processes, awkward pairings and a lack of continuity in leadership. Former U.S. players and analysts also questioned the decision to appoint Keegan Bradley, then still an active Tour contender, as captain, saying balancing his own playing ambitions with captaincy responsibilities complicated selection and preparation.

The result has intensified debate over who should lead the U.S. side in 2027 at Adare Manor in Ireland. Phil Mickelson wrote on social media that the U.S. should...