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Ryder Cup 2023: Rickie Fowler – Experience for Team USA

Ryder Cup 2023: Rickie Fowler stands after difficult years for the first time again US team. It is already his fifth participation. (Source: Getty)
Ryder Cup 2023: Rickie Fowler stands after difficult years for the first time again US team. It is already his fifth participation. (Source: Getty)

The Ryder Cup 2023 awaits when the famous trophy is at stake at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome at the end of September. For Rickie Fowler, it will already be the fifth participation in the prestigious tournament. After going winless for 1610 days on the PGA Tour, Fowler triumphed at the Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit in July. This victory put him in the sights of U.S. captain Zach Johnson for the first time, who, after further good performances, eventually nominated him as one of the “captain’s picks” for the U.S. team at the 2023 Ryder Cup.

Leaderboard of the Ryder Cup 2023

Rickie Fowler at the Ryder Cup 2023

Thanks to his victory in Detroit, the 34-year-old will be a member of a Ryder Cup team for the first time in five years. “This participation is really special,” Fowler said after being selected as one of Zach Johnson‘s six captain’s picks. “Fortunately, when I got the call from Zach, he told me the good news, and it was definitely emotional because it’s been a great year after the last few years. I knew it was going to be very difficult to be in that position, so to get that call and be a part of this team is amazing.”

Fowler with terrific comeback in Ryder Cup year

In 2019, Fowler, who had previously been one of the most popular players on the PGA Tour for years and had consistently ranked in the top-10 of the world golf rankings, hit a slump. Fowler slipped further and further down the world rankings. In 2021, the likeable American missed the Masters and the US Open for the first time since 2010. The former star player was also left out of the Ryder Cup. Fowler was not present when the USA defeated the Europeans 19:9 at Whistling Straits. It was the second time since 2008 that he failed to make the U.S. team. In 2022, he finally reached a career low of 185th in the world rankings. As a result, the now 34-year-old made some changes.

He parted ways with his caddie Joe Skovron after 13 years and replaced him with Ricky Romano. He also decided to return to his old swing coach Butch Harmon. The changes quickly took effect. Entering 2023, Fowler posted a string of top-20 finishes before heading into the US Open with top-10 finishes at the Colonial and the Memorial. Fowler received an exemption to the third major of the year because of his ranking in the world rankings – and on the first day, he shot a 62, the best round in US Open history. He led after the first three rounds and finished the tournament in a tie for fifth place. His best major result since finishing second at the 2018 Masters, Fowler continued to play well the following week at the Travelers Championship, finishing in a tie for 13th place. He finally picked up a long-awaited victory at the Rocket Mortgage Classic the following week. The six-time Tour winner finished the season in 16th place in the FedExCup standings, his best finish since 2017.

Lots of experience for the US Team at the Ryder Cup 2023

Fowler will be competing in his fifth Ryder Cup, making him one of the most experienced members of the U.S. team alongside Jordan Spieth. At just 21 years old, Rickie Fowler made his Ryder Cup debut back in 2010. On the grounds of Celtic Manor, he was the first PGA Tour rookie to compete in the Ryder Cup and impressed with an impressive recovery in his singles match against Edoardo Molinari. Other appearances followed in 2014, 2016 and 2018, and the last time Fowler was on the Ryder Cup stage was at Le Golf National in France in 2018. One of the best-known and most popular players, Fowler participated in the biennial competition for the then fourth time. The Americans lost 17.5-10.5 and tough years began for Fowler on the PGA Tour. Because of a great comeback season, Zach Johnson nominated Fowler for the 2023 Ryder Cup. “It’s been a great 2023,” Johnson said. “Obviously that win (at the Rocket Mortgage Classic), a very good US Open in LA, basically consistently good performances throughout the season. The stats have shown that. He’s also extremely flexible in terms of pairings. Those who know him, or at least have been around him, know that he makes every team better. That’s Rick.” Now, 13 years after making his debut on the Ryder Cup stage as a rookie with the famous ‘wispy’ hairdo, Fowler will try to lead the U.S. team to its first victory on foreign soil in 30 years. And given all he’s been through in recent years, the 2023 Ryder Cup could be Fowler’s most momentous.

Whats inside Rickie Fowler’s bag at the 2023 Ryder Cup

To match his Puma outfit, the newly crowned PGA Tour winner is equipped with the latest woods from Cobra. The Aerojet LS driver is joined by the 3-wood from the same series. The LS variants are characterized by a particularly low spin and thus generate even more length from the tee. At around 290 meters, Rickie Fowler makes full use of this additional length in the tournament. When it comes to irons, he relies on the Cobra King Tour. Unlike the CB/MB irons, the Player irons are not forged from a single piece but have an aluminum insert. This makes them a bit more forgiving while still generating plenty of spin. The Cobra King wedges in Rickie Fowler’s bag are designed for maximum variability and are said to develop extra spin and control around the green with their specially designed grooves.

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Junior Ryder Cup 2023: Team Europa seals dominant victory

Team Europe secured a dominant victory at the Junior Ryder Cup 2023. (Source: Getty)
Team Europe secured a dominant victory at the Junior Ryder Cup 2023. (Source: Getty)

Team Europe entered the final day singles matches with a six point lead after a remarkable clean sweep in Wednesday’s four-balls at Golf Nazionale, and they drove home their home advantage with seven victories and three ties in 12 Thursday singles matches at this year’s Ryder Cup venue, triumphing 20,5 to 9,5.

Leaderboard of the Ryder Cup 2023

Europe triumphs for the first time since 2004

Germany’s Helen Briem provided the Europeans with some early momentum at the Junior Ryder Cup 2023 after her 2&1 win over Yana Wilson, before Kris Kim defeated Miles Russell 5&4 to extend Europe’s advantage.

Spaniard Andrea Revuelta holed the winning putt to seal outright victory for Team Europe for the first time since 2004 when they won the trophy on American soil at Westfield Group Country Club in Ohio.

Scotland’s Conor Graham overcame American Jay Leng Jr 1 UP, while Swede Meja Örtengren defeated Gianna Clemente 3&2. Irishman Sean Keeling and Italian Giovanni Binaghi provided the two other European victories.

Francesca Fiorellini with a masterful performance in front of her home crowd at the Junior Ryder Cup 2023


In the final match to finish on the course, Italy’s Francesca Fiorellini provided a moment of magic on the 18th green as she came back from 2 down with two holes to play, holing a putt from 25 feet to tie the match in front of a raucous home crowd.

European Junior Ryder Cup Captain Stephen Gallacher was delighted to bring home the trophy for his side and believes the future is bright for European golf.

“It feels absolutely amazing,” he said. “I am so proud of this team and what they have achieved. The team spirit has been unbelievable, and it has been a privilege to be their Captain.

“Every player took control of their own game and they’ve done everything I could have asked of them. The standard of golf has blown me away and it has been inspiring to watch. We are looking at future Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup stars.

“The kids have been fantastic and the way they bounced back at times was sensational. I’ve been blessed to have a front row seat and it’s been an honour just to watch them play. Some of these boys and girls will be future World Number Ones for sure.

“The standard and the talent out there is unreal and the future is bright for Europe. They have all been superstars. The way they dealt with the pressure of playing in this arena has been exceptional and I think our team wanted it a bit more today.”

(Text: Junior Ryder Cup)

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Ryder Cup 2023 – Nicolai Hojgaard: “Sometimes you have to pinch yourself”

Nicolai Hojgaard was picked by Luke Donald to make his first appearence at the Ryder Cup 2023. (Source: getty)
Nicolai Hojgaard was picked by Luke Donald to make his first appearence at the Ryder Cup 2023. (Source: getty)

Nicolai Hojgaard is set to make his debut at the Ryder Cup 2023. With back-to-back top five finishes in the final two events of the European Ryder Cup qualification, Hojgaard earned a Captain’s pick from Luke Donald. The 22 year old impressed with a tie for fifth at the Ryder Cup venue Marco Simone at the DS Automobiles Italian Open – the event and venue he won at in 2021- and once again among a strong field at the Genesis Scottish Open, where he finished tied sixth.

Leaderboard of the Ryder Cup 2023

Nicolai Hojgaard: “It’s a special week”

Nicolai, your first Ryder Cup. Talk about the experience so far of being in the team room and being out on the golf course for 18 holes yesterday.

Nicolai Hojgaard: Yeah, it’s a special week. You’re sitting next to your idols and heros and you’re going out preparing for a big week. It’s pretty cool to be here and preparing and being in the team room and seeing the stuff that goes behind it. That surprise Luke made yesterday with our shirts next to each other and then Seve’s in the middle, it was special and emotional, and that’s what this week is about.

You talked about some of your heros on this team have said if there’s anything they could do to help you, don’t hesitate, you can ask them anything. Have you been asking them anything, and what sorts of things have they been telling you?

Nicolai Hojgaard: I think the good part of all this is they have been in the same position that I’m in now. They got the rookies — obviously Rory and Rahm and Rose, those guys have been here a lot. They were rookies at one point as well, and they had guys, they had questions. So being in the same position as them, trying to learn from the best is pretty cool. It’s about how you prepare for this week going in as a rookie compared to when you’re an experienced guy.

Is there anything you arrived worrying about?

Nicolai Hojgaard: I wouldn’t say probably worried but more about making sure that we are all part of the team and we are all interacting with each other and we all make that team room the best possible place to go. Everyone is very good at it, and you always are like a little worried or scared getting into a team room where you haven’t been before, and you’re getting into a team room with your idols, the guys you’ve been looking up to your whole life. Sometimes you’re here and you have to pinch yourself a little bit, but it’s reality now and now it’s about going and preparing those guys and get ready for Friday.

What’s the best thing you’ve experienced or the thing that’s pleased you most since you’ve arrived here? Doesn’t have to be golf-related.

Nicolai Hojgaard: I think being in that team room yesterday, Seve’s shirt in the middle, and we all talked about all the guys and heros before us and keeping that legacy going and the DNA of The European Team. You hear about it, but once you’re in that team room, you get goosebumps just talking about it, and what it means to Europe and European golf. That’s been obviously the biggest or the coolest experience.

Do you feel confident to express your thoughts in that environment?

Nicolai Hojgaard: I do, yeah. I feel like we’ve got a very good environment in that room. You can say whatever — we all have the same goal. We are all part of the same team. We all focus and determine on the job ahead, and that’s why I think it’s such a cool place to go.

Nicolai Hojgaard is the youngest player at the Ryder Cup 2023

You are 22 years old and the youngest player in the Ryder Cup. Tell us how you feel as such a young prodigy playing in the Ryder Cup?

Nicolai Hojgaard: Yeah, I don’t think about it that much, actually. There’s a lot of young players in both teams, and it’s not really something I think about. But in the end of the day, it’s a cool achievement being the youngest I think on both teams. It’s just a cool thing to say that you’re playing in the Ryder Cup when you’re 22. It’s not really that important. It’s just more of a cool thing to say, I’d probably say.

If you can tell us specifically some of the things Luke Donald has done for you?

Nicolai Hojgaard: When I started playing a little bit in America this year, he was very good to me. We were out for dinners and lunch and always interacted during the weeks. That’s probably where I learned (about) Luke. He’s been a very important part of all this process, of course. That’s the thing about America, I’d say you feel probably a little bit alone in some way because you’re in a different environment you’re not normally used to.

Can you identify a point where you thought, I might be able to make this Ryder Cup 2023 Team? Was there a point you thought you would be a part of this?

Nicolai Hojgaard: When I started the season, I wasn’t really thinking about it too much. We put a plan in place at the start of the year where this was one of the goals, and there was two goals on that list. We tried to focus on how would we build our game to get in the Ryder Cup, and I could see slowly when the season went on that there were some good things in place and that happened. And then when we got to Prague and Switzerland, I played some good golf where I needed to, and I feel like I’ve been doing that for a long time. Probably really haven’t had like the really top results, but it’s been on the right track for a long time. A couple good finish there probably put me in a position where I’ve probably done my part and hopefully that will be enough. But I’ve always had in mind that I think I could be on the team and I get on the team golf-wise, and yeah, sitting here now is pretty special.

Nicolai, thanks for joining us. We wish you well this week.

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Ryder Cup 2023 – Robert MacIntyre: “There’s more buzz around it compared to St. Andrews”

Robert MacInytre is one of four Rookies on the european team at the Ryder Cup 2023. (Source: Getty)
Robert MacInytre is one of four Rookies on the european team at the Ryder Cup 2023. (Source: Getty)

Robert MacIntyre will make his first appearance for Team Europe at Ryder Cup 2023 after securing the third automatic qualification spot on the European Points List. The Marco Simone Golf & Country Club arises good memories for MacIntyre. In 2022 he secured his second DP World Tour title at the italian venue, where he now returns to as part of Team Europe.

Leaderboard of the Ryder Cup 2023

Marco Simone suits Robert MacIntyre

Joined by Robert MacIntyre for Team Europe. We know team sport has been a part of your life with shinty, but how much have you been enjoying the team environment this week?

Robert MacIntyre: Yeah, it’s good. There’s been a lot going on, obviously, but it feels very much like home. All the guys behind each other for one goal, and it’s part of why, we say in shinty, it’s one goal to win the match, and it’s one goal this week to win the trophy back.

Having won here, you know this place really well. Can you talk about how different it’s set up this week to the Italian Open?

Robert MacIntyre: Yeah, there’s a couple drivable holes than what it was before but still very similar. You’ve got to hit it in the short stuff. The rough’s brutal. But it’s no different. Good golf scores will win matches, and if you keep it reasonably straight off the tee, then you’ve got a great chance.

Even for a young guy like you, Seve is this huge inspiration for European golfers?

Robert MacIntyre: Yeah, he turned it around, didn’t he. He turned the tide. Obviously Americans were dominating, but then kind of Seve took it upon himself to change that, to rectify it. I think ever since then, I mean, I’m sure Jon said it. That’s the reason he plays golf. I mean, Seve has done so much for the game of golf. For me, obviously I didn’t really get to watch him. I didn’t get to meet him. But I’ve watched so many clips of him but there’s so many others. Last night I spoke to Monty, and I mean, for a Scotsman, Monty was everything. Again, just a little bit before my time. But I mean, I’ve heard all about him. I’ve watched so many clips about him. Yeah, there’s just so many idols that have done so well in this tournament.

The Ryder Cup brings more excitement than an Open at St. Andrews

You spoke last year about the excitement you felt arriving at St Andrews ahead of playing an open there. How does the feeling arriving here compare for this week?

Robert MacIntyre: Slightly different. A bit more excitement in it. There’s more buzz around it. There’s more people around it. When I arrived at St Andrews, it was on me. I was the only one that could control what was going to happen. This week, there is so much more to it than just me.

How much detail have Luke and the vice captains given you? Do you know when you’re playing and who you’re playing with? Does that help you in your preparation knowing what your role is going to be?

Robert MacIntyre: Yeah, I’ve got kind of a hint on who I’m going to be playing with and what I’m going to be playing in. Again, nothing’s going to prepare me for that first tee shot. It’s just plain and simple. It’s something bigger than I’ve ever been involved in and ever experienced. Just try and keep it as light as I can so that I can play golf the way I know that I can play golf, and the main part is just enjoy it.

Will you calm down by the time you get to the first tee, or do you need that nervous energy to keep going?

Robert MacIntyre: For me, as I said, I’m as calm as ever just now. I actually said to my family, at the start of the week, do you know, I’ve not got the nerves yet. I’m very chilled. I think it’s because the team environment I’m in, it’s very much what I’m comfortable in. But I think Friday or Thursday night, when I know it’s coming, I think the excitement will pick up and the nerves will start to hit. But it’s part of it and it’s part of the journey, and I’ve just got to enjoy it. It’s there. It’s not going to go away, and just accept it’s there and go and do your best.

Thinking about conditions this week, the course undulations and the weather and stuff, how does everyone think about that?

Robert MacIntyre: Yeah, it’s good. The majority of the guys have been here and played it from kind of 2021. There was a few guys that came. But no, the course is a course. It is hilly. It’s hot. But no, we’ve got all the best stuff. We’ve got the best guys for the job from hydration, nutrition, everything. Just as well we’re athletes.

As a Scotsman, how are you dealing with the sun?

Robert MacIntyre: Yeah, it’s all right. Get out there and enjoy yourself.

Bob, thanks for joining us. We wish you well this week.

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Ryder Cup 2023 – Rory McIlroy: “They are going to miss being here more than we’re missing them”

Ryder Cup 2023: Rory McIlroy in an interview ahead of his seventh appearance. (Source: Getty)
Ryder Cup 2023: Rory McIlroy in an interview ahead of his seventh appearance. (Source: Getty)

Rory McIlroy is one of the experienced Ryder Cup participants. Shortly before the start of the Ryder Cup 2023, the Northern Irishman spoke in an interview about the special atmosphere at the continental competition and the absence of great players who have long characterized the European Ryder Cup teams, such as Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter or Lee Westwood.

Leaderboard of the Ryder Cup 2023

Campfire feeling at the Ryder Cup 2023

I’m joined by Rory McIlroy from Team Europe. Rory, remarkably, your seventh Ryder Cup.

Rory McIlroy: Thanks, Steve.

That’s all right. We saw a video last night talking through being in the team environment. How has the team environment been this week.

Rory McIlroy: It’s been fantastic. Everyone knows this is a bit of a transitional period for The European Team and there’s people that have been part of The European Team for a long time that aren’t here this week. But I think the guys that we brought in are going to be awesome. Nicolai, Ludwig, Bob, that’s the future of our team and the future of the Ryder Cup.

I think we came here to Rome a couple of weeks ago for a practise trip, and I thought that was incredibly important. Honestly I couldn’t believe that we’ve never done it before. We played a practise round and we got familiar with the golf course but then the sort of time we spent off the course I thought was great. Just sort of sharing stories around the fire pit and sort of describing our journeys in golf and what the Ryder Cup means to us. Sort of just getting to know one another a little better, even people that I thought that I knew for a long time, sort of getting to know them a little better, too, was wonderful.

I think Luke and his vice captains have really sort of tapped into that emotional connection around Team Europe this week, and we have all bought into it. It’s been an amazing experience so far, and it’s only Wednesday. There’s a lot of great things to come. But couldn’t be more excited to be a part of the team, and to have those other 11 guys be my teammates.

Just on the fans, you’ve obviously experienced the odd rogue fan at the Ryder Cup and thinking of Brian Harman getting heckled, do you think it might go too far here?

Rory McIlroy: No because I think that’s all part of the Ryder Cup. There’s not a lot of other instances in the game of golf where that happens but there’s certainly a line. Most fans that come out to watch golf are very respectful and they know what that line is.

Rory McIlroy: ” It’s certainly a little strange not having them around”

A lot of water under the bridge in the last couple years, but in this week of all weeks, do you actually miss guys like Sergio, Poulter, Westwood?

Rory McIlroy: I mean, it’s certainly a little strange not having them around. But I think this week of all weeks, it’s going to hit home with them that, you know, they are not here, and I think they are going to miss being here more than we’re missing them, so — and I’m not saying that that’s like — it’s just more I think this week is a realisation that the decision that they made has led to not being a part of this week, and that’s tough. The landscape in golf is ever-changing and more dynamic, and we’ll see what happens and whether they will be part of it in the future. I always thought leading up to this week is when it’s going to hit home that they are not going to be here.

We obviously don’t know the pairings yet, but assuming you might have to use a different golf ball. I’m just wondering if you can discuss the challenges that brings with it, and how much time you would devote to maybe practising with another ball in the lead up to that.

Rory McIlroy: Yeah, I guess the nice thing is that you can do it in way where — I think all these golf balls react pretty similar with a driver. It’s more the iron shots and around the greens. If I’m playing with a guy that uses a different golf ball, I can just hit his golf ball off the tee. He’s able to hit it into the green and we go from there. Vice versa; he can hit my golf ball off the tee, and I can hit my ball into the green and do that. Yeah, it can get a little tricky and you’re chipping and putting and different feels of balls.

I think a couple of days, hitting some, getting numbers with that golf ball. Spin rates is a big thing. Especially in the wind gets up in some of these elevations. Just if you’re into the wind, and, say, the other golf ball minutes 200 or 300 more RPMs more than your golf ball, that makes a huge difference into the wind. So just trying to get comfortable with that in some ways and trying to be mindful of it.

But I don’t think it presents a huge challenge. I think guys are pretty much adaptable. We have 24 of the best players in the world here. If we can’t adapt a little bit to a slight change of the golf ball, the game is certainly not going in the right direction. So I think we are all okay.

Rory, thank for joining us. Enjoy your week.

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Ryder Cup 2023: Team Monty wins first All-Star Match

Team Monty around Gareth Bale and Novak Djokovic wins the Ryder Cup All-Star Match. (Photo: Getty)
Team Monty around Gareth Bale and Novak Djokovic wins the Ryder Cup All-Star Match. (Photo: Getty)

Team Monty took victory in today’s inaugural Ryder Cup 2023 All-Star Match, beating Team Pavin 7-4 in a closely fought match play contest played over seven holes at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club.

Novak Djokovic and Gareth Bale at the 2023 Ryder Cup

24-time tennis Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, paired with G4D Tour player Kipp Popert struck an excellent opening tee shot which set the scene for a 3-1 win against Scuderia Ferrari Formula One driver Carlos Sainz, and Italian G4D Tour player Tommaso Perrino – both of whom enjoyed strong local support. Djokovic even managed to drive the iconic short par 4 16th, a hole which promises to be the scene of some epic battles when the Ryder Cup gets under way on Friday.

Match Two, featuring the all-American pairing of actress Kathryn Newton and former NFL player Victor Cruz, ended in a 2-2 tie against the pairing of Italian professional surfer Leonardo Fioravanti and Garrett Hilbert from Dude Perfect. With it all still to play for, Captain Colin Montgomerie turned on the style in the closing holes to edge out a 2-1 victory with close support from his teammate Gareth Bale, in a match against another footballing legend in Ukraine’s Andriy Shevchenko, and opposing Captain Corey Pavin.

Ryder Cup 2023 Live Scoring

Ryder Cup 2023 All-Star Match a “real privilege” for Montgomerie

Speaking about the victory, winning captain Colin Montgomerie, said: “Playing in the Ryder Cup was such a big part of my life and my career and today has really taken me back there. I was actually getting a little bit emotional coming down the 18th and it was a real privilege to Captain such a talented team of all stars. It was also amazing to see the support from the crowds who were fantastic all the way round. This was the first time I’ve played this golf course and it’s a true risk and reward test, so the Ryder Cup is set up perfectly for a dramatic contest. Corey has always been an incredibly tough competitor to face, so it was nice to be able to get one up on him today.”

Follow The Ryder Cup 2023 LIVE Feed Here

Novak Djokovic, said: “My partner Kipp really delivered his A-game today and is such a talented player and so inspiring. Overall, I’m pleased with how I played. I haven’t had the chance to practice too much coming into today, but I hit a good opening tee shot which really settled the nerves and I managed to play some good holes. The crowds were amazing and it was a really fun experience.”

Gareth Bale about the rough at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club

Gareth Bale, added: “I thoroughly enjoyed that. With big crowds following us there were some nerves there, but I’ve played a few pro-ams before so knew what to expect and that helped. Monty was on top form today and really led from the front. The rough was pretty penal so I had a few tough shots when I missed the fairway, but I hit a good shot on 16 and got up and down for birdie, so that was a good memory to take away.”

Text: Ryder Cup Europe

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Live Feed Ryder Cup 2023: Golf’s Grandest Spectacle

Experience the Ryder Cup 2023 up close. All information in the live ticker. (Source: Getty)
Experience the Ryder Cup 2023 up close. All information in the live ticker. (Source: Getty)

For the 44th time, Team Europe and Team USA will clash at the Ryder Cup 2023. The Americans, aiming to defend their title at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, are determined to break their 30-year-long losing streak on European soil. Meanwhile, the Europeans are resolute in their quest to bring the trophy back to Europe following their defeat at Whistling Straits. Hundreds of thousands of spectators are expected to gather outside the gates of Rome, creating the famous and infamous Ryder Cup atmosphere.

The Scores of the Ryder Cup 2023

The Teams at Ryder Cup 2023

Once again, this year’s teams consist of twelve players who have either qualified through their respective rankings or have been selected by the captains. European team captain Luke Donald has opted for a mix of experience and fresh talent. With the inclusion of Ludvig Aberg and Nicolai Hojgaard, two young talents have made it into the team, alongside European stars like Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm. The nomination of Austrian player Sepp Straka is also noteworthy. Straka, following in the footsteps of Bernd Wiesberger, is only the second Austrian to participate in a Ryder Cup and has gained attention this season with his victory at the John Deere Classic and a shared second place at the British Open.

The Americans, on the other hand, are aiming for their first victory on European soil in 30 years. After their win at Whistling Straits two years ago, they enter the Ryder Cup with great confidence. Among their ranks are world number 1 Scottie Scheffler, alongside seasoned Ryder Cup players such as Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, and Rickie Fowler. Team USA also features several rookies, including Sam Burns, Wyndham Clark, Brian Harman, and Max Homa. Unlike Aberg and Hojgaard, the Americans boast years of experience on the PGA Tour. Captain Zach Johnson has also added LIV Golf League player Brooks Koepka to the team, a move expected to significantly strengthen Team USA.

Ryder Cup 2023 LIVE on golfpost.com

Follow the action live at the 2023 Ryder Cup and never miss a point from your team. Golf Post provides not only the live scores, but also news, photos, a free fantasy game and of course the tee times and pairings.

Marco Simone Golf & Country Club – The Venue for Ryder Cup 2023

The Ryder Cup is played alternately on American and European soil, and this year, the venue is the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Rome. Extensive course redesign work began in August 2018 and was completed in March 2021. The primary focus was to create a golf course specifically tailored for dramatic match play. The transformation not only introduced numerous risk-and-reward opportunities for the world’s best golfers but also made optimal use of the natural, hilly terrain. Spectators at this location will enjoy unparalleled vantage points of the action on the golf course while taking in panoramic views of the famous Eternal City. The spectacular vistas include St. Peter’s Basilica and the Castle of Marco Simone, forming the backdrop for the greatest team competition in golf.

Ryder Cup Format: Foursome, Fourball and Singles

Traditionally, Ryder Cup spectators are treated to not your typical stroke play but direct head-to-head matchups between players from both teams. Various formats of golf are played during the event. Foursomes and Fourballs are played in pairs on the first two days, and on the final day, each player competes individually. In total, 28 matches will be played. Team USA, as defending champions, needs 14 points to successfully retain their title, while the Europeans require 14.5 points to reclaim the Cup on home soil.

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Ryder Cup 2023: Scottie Scheffler, the number one in the world

Ryder Cup 2023: Scottie Scheffler, the number one in the world (Photo: Getty)
Ryder Cup 2023: Scottie Scheffler, the number one in the world (Photo: Getty)

The 27-year-old American Scottie Scheffler has been at the top of the world rankings for several months. Two years ago, he won the Ryder Cup with the USA on his debut. In total, he has already been victorious six times on the PGA Tour. Currently the best player in the world, he is a mainstay in the American team.

Scottie Scheffler at the Ryder Cup 2023

Scottie Scheffler collected so many Ryder Cup points last season that he was determined early on as the first qualifier. By winning two events in 2023, including the Players Championship, he collected almost twice as many points as Wyndham Clark, who was the second qualifier.

In the 2022/23 season, he played a full 21 tournaments and did not miss a cut. He finished in the top-25 in 19 of the tournaments, won the Players Championship, finished tied for tenth at the Masters, second at the PGA Championship and third at the US Open. With almost $20 million in prize money this season, he is the most successful player of the year and will be a great challenge for the European team. Last year he also proved his match play skills when he won the Dell Matchplay, this year he was eliminated only in the semifinals.

Scottie Scheffler: A mainstay at the 2023 Ryder Cup

Scottie Scheffler made his debut in the historic victory for the USA in 2021. The USA won 19 to 9, setting a new record. Never before has a Ryder Cup team won by such a margin. Scheffler had his part in it.

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On the first day, together with Bryson DeChambeau, he played to a draw in fourball against Tyrrell Hatton and Jon Rahm. The following day, with the same playing partner, he picked up his first win in fourball against Tommy Fleetwood and Viktor Hovland. The highlight followed on the final day in his singles match against Jon Rahm. With a win of 4 & 3, he scored one of the highest victories of the day against a well-known opponent.

Scottie Scheffler’s greatest achievements and prize money

In Scottie Scheffler’s still young career, he has already achieved great success. The 27-year-old has won six tournaments on the PGA Tour and two more on the Korn Ferry Tour. He is only in his fourth season and further successes of the American are to be expected. With the Masters Tournament last year, he won his only Major title to date.

In 111 tournaments on the PGA Tour, Scheffler made the cut 92 times, finished in the top-10 43 times, finished third nine times and second seven times. In just three years of his career on the PGA Tour, he has collected more than $42 million in prize money.

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Scottie Scheffler WITB for the Ryder Cup 2023

Scottie Scheffler’s golf bag contains a colorful mix of different manufacturers. When it comes to woods, the top golfer relies on TaylorMade Stealth Plus models as drivers and 3-woods. For the long distances on narrow fairways or into the green, he relies on the Srixon Z U85 driving irons and takes the 3- and 4-iron series into his bag. With the P7TW irons from his sponsor TaylorMade, Scheffler reaches for the Players iron set specially designed by and for Tiger Woods. He complements the sporty, slim irons with three wedges from the Titleist Vokey Spin Milled 8 series and a Scotty Cameron putter from the Special Select series. He also relies on Titleist for the ball and tees it up with the Pro V1.

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Ryder Cup 2023: Max Homa – The newcomer on Team USA

Max Homa is heading to Rome for the 2023 Ryder Cup, the first participation for the 32-year-old. (Photo:Getty)
Max Homa is heading to Rome for the 2023 Ryder Cup, the first participation for the 32-year-old. (Photo:Getty)

The 2023 Ryder Cup awaits, when the famous trophy will be on the line at the Marco Simone Golf in Country Club in Rome at the end of September. Max Homa will be taking part for the first time. With a consistent season and a top-10 finish at the BMW Championship, he took the final step towards qualification.

Max Homa at the Ryder Cup 2023

The No. 7 in the World Golf Ranking (OWGR) is coming off a victory in the 2023 season and is one of three debutants on Team USA. The 32-year-old’s shared fifth-place finish at the BMW Championship secured him the No. 5 spot in the Ryder Cup Standings, making it into the Americans’ 12-man squad. Thanks to his strong finish, Homa does not have to rely on the favor of captain Zach Johnson. Max Homa was able to secure his place around Scheffler and Co. with strong finishes at the highlights on the PGA Tour.

To start the season, Max Homa posted a third-place split finish at the Sentry Tournament of Champions. He followed that up with a win at the 2023 Farmers Insurance Open in late January, then tied for second at the Genesis Invitational in February. A month later, the California native earned a sixth-place split at the Players Championship and followed that up with an eighth-place split at the Wells Fargo Championship in May. His strong showings in the former ‘Designated Events’, as well as T6 at the FedEx St. Jude Championship and a shared fifth-place finish at the BMW Championship, allowed him to play his way up to seventh place in the OWGR. He then finished the season with his best career major finish at the 2023 British Open, tying for tenth.

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Max Homa without Ryder Cup experience yet

Although this is Max Homa’s first time at the Ryder Cup, it is not his first team competition on the international stage. After winning the NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championship, the US American played in the Walkers Cup 2013. The duel between the best US amateurs and their colleagues from Great Britain and Ireland went 17:9 to the US boys. With strong successes on the PGA Tour, Homa recommended himself for the Presidents Cup in 2022. In the duel with the best players outside Europe, Homa showed his class and won each of his four matches in the victory of the USA.

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Max Homa takes off after a bumpy start

For the Californian, the professional career was to begin in 2013 with his entry onto the PGA Tour. He then had to fight for the tour card for many years and made a detour to the Korn Ferry Tour to qualify for the PGA Tour again. Then in 2019, Homa managed his first win on the PGA Tour. And what a success it was! Homa secured the Wells Fargo Championship and prize money of around US$1.4 million. Then came victory in 2021 at the Genesis Invitational in a playoff with Presidents Cup playing partner Tony Finau. In 2022, he would again take the crown at the Wells Fargo Championship. His CV now includes six victories on the PGA Tour and prize money of more than 10.5 million US dollars.

Max Homa WITB for the 2023 Ryder Cup

The Team USA rookie relies entirely on the Titleist brand for his equipment. From driver to wedge, he will also be using the latest models from the manufacturer at the 2023 Ryder Cup, where he usually prefers the sporty variants with length gain and particularly high flexibility. In addition to the TSR3 driver, Homa also plays the TSR fairway woods. However, here he relies on the 2 model with a focus on tee shots and more forgiveness. For the irons, he relies on the Titleist 620 irons. A demanding player’s iron with little room for error. In the short game, Homa, like many of his colleagues, relies on the Titleist Vokey SM9 with different sole grinds to flexibly master any situation on the course. The Scottie Cameron Mallet putter and the Pro V1 golf ball complete Homa’s golf bag.

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Ryder Cup 2023: Sepp Straka talks about not feeling his arms

Sepp Straka wants to learn from veterans Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose at the Ryder Cup 2023. (Source: Getty)
Sepp Straka wants to learn from veterans Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose at the Ryder Cup 2023. (Source: Getty)

Sepp Straka, the golf prodigy from Austria, shared his delightful experiences from Team Europe’s at the Ryder Cup 2023 locker room, emphasizing the immense bonding and camaraderie the team has developed. “Starting with the practice trip we had here a couple of weeks ago, and even during Wentworth… today was a great day. The team bonding has been incredible,” Straka shared.

Leaderboard of the Ryder Cup 2023

A Journey through Cultures

Straka delves into his personal journey, sharing insights about his cultural assimilation after moving to the States at 14. While he acknowledges the American influence, he harbors a deep connection to his Austrian lineage, “My dad is Austrian. Always made sure I spent a lot of time going back.”

Reflecting on his childhood vacations, he recalls with nostalgia the family trips to Italy, specifically Venice and Legnano,  “it was always our number one destination for trips as a kid. We always drove down to Venice, Legnano. We also did a lot of our junior camps over winter in Legnano. Yeah, always brings back memories coming back to Italy.”

His Austrian roots mixed with his American upbringing have brought a distinctive aura in the team, echoing his multifaceted identity. “I’ve grown up kind of split… I’ve always felt really close to my Austrian heritage,” Straka remarks, emphasizing his dual allegiance. Straka’s enthusiastic participation in team dinners and practice rounds highlights his commitment to fostering unity and building strong connections within the team.

Confronting the pressures at the Ryder Cup 2023

The intense pressure synonymous with the first tee is a topic many players converse about, and Straka is no exception. He reveals his strategy for managing the stress, “You’ve just got to stick to your routine in that situation,” he states, emphasizing the importance of maintaining normalcy in high-pressure environments.

His curiosity and enthusiasm are evident as he seeks advice from veterans like Justin Rose and Rory, aiming to gather insights and perspectives to navigate through his first Ryder Cup experience: “Yeah, definitely, you’ve got to lean on those guys. It’s incredible how many Ryder Cups they have been a part of and been successful in. Yeah, a typical question like, ‘What do you on the first tee box when you can’t feel your arms,’ kind of thing. But yeah, overall the goal is you’ve just got to play golf. But yeah, just sharing stories and hearing stories from them has been helpful.”

“What do you do when you can’t feel your arms?”, the interviewer asked “Hope, I guess. Yeah, maybe just stick to the routine and hope you make a good swing”, Straka responded laughing.

Fourballs or Foursome?

Straka shares his neutrality when it comes to choosing between fourballs or foursomes, citing the different mentalities required for each. He sheds light on the challenges of maintaining rhythm in foursomes, “It’s hard to get into rhythm sometimes, just because you’re only hitting every other shot.”

Straka didn’t hold back in expressing his admiration for the course, finding it highly suitable for match play.  “It’s a good course. It will be great for match play. There’s a lot of high-risk reward shots and a couple drivable par fours and reachable par fives. I think that will be really fun to watch and really fun to play.” Straka’s favorite, number five, stands out as a cool reachable par four, highlighting his penchant for strategic play. Alltough he mentioned the rough as quite a challenging part of the Ryder Cup course. “It’s very thick (…) the blades are really thick and it’s very different than anything you see almost anywhere.”

(This text was created with the help of AI)