The 2027 Ryder Cup is still a year away, but the European team is already off to a fast start in terms of team building and preparation. The European Ryder Cup team has won seven out of the last 10 Ryder Cups against the United States of America, including both home and away matches. In fact, the US hasn’t won an away Ryder Cup in more than 30 years, since they defeated the Euros at The Belfry in England in 1993. That is an astounding statistic, and it begs the question: why?
European 2027 Ryder Cup Preparation
A look at this past week reveals why the Europeans dominate the Ryder Cup. After teeing it up in the Amgen Irish Open, many of the European players made the short trip to Adare Manor in Ireland, the site of the 2027 Ryder Cup. This scouting trip was a way for Captain Luke Donald to give his players, both stalwarts and newcomers, a look at Adare Manor a full year in advance of the matches.
The European team employed this same tactic in 2025 when they made several scouting trips to Bethpage Black in order to get acclimated to the course and surroundings. These preemptive trips also provide an excellent opportunity for building up team camaraderie and forging strong relationships that carry over to the matches.
Not only that, but it gives European hopefuls like Kristopher Reitan, Alex Fitzpatrick, Eugenio Chacarra, and Angel Ayora, a taste of what being part of that exclusive group feels like. Once they have a taste, that desire to play well enough to join the elite squad increases tenfold. Any former Ryder Cupper will attest to that.
European Continuity
Donald is back for his third go-round as captain of Team Europe. The former World No. 1 player is ultra-popular amongst the European players who have consistently called for him to return as captain. Returning as vice-captains are Eduardo and Francesco Molinari, with Eduardo resuming his role as master of statistics.
Ireland’s own Padraig Harrington will join the Molinari brothers as VC. Harrington not only represented Europe in six Ryder Cups, but he also served as a VC three times and captained the 2021 team. It’s safe to say the Europeans have mastered the system in which their vice-captains gain valuable experience while waiting for their turn to step into the captain’s shoes.
A Sense Of Belonging
Although players sporting the blue and gold hail from all corners of Europe, there is an undeniable sense of brotherhood and belonging amongst the players. In fact, it was Harrington in 2021 who assigned players their team numbers based on the year they made their Ryder Cup debut. This subtle nod to the Europeans who have come before them is one of the strongest ways the team stands united.
It’s no secret that Team Europe continues to be inspired by the late, legendary Seve Ballesteros. The love, respect, and admiration that all European players feel for Seve unites them so deeply. They use that to motivate the team as they prepare to step onto the first tee.
In recent years, it’s become quite apparent that Team USA lacks a general sense of what it means to play for something greater than an individual title. Whether that’s because of polarizing personalities (Bryson DeChambeau), players who don’t agree with captains’ choices (Phil Mickelson), or just lacking a united spirit, Team USA needs to start focusing on more than just having top-ranked talent.
Predictions shouldn’t be made a year in advance of a sporting event; however, the European team is already one up and looking for more.
