Farmingdale, NY – In a meaningful shift for the upcoming Ryder Cup, a rule change has been implemented allowing assistant captains to provide advice to players during matches, a departure from the conventional protocol where only the captain could offer guidance. This adjustment, reported by The Telegraph, aims to enhance strategic flexibility for the U.S. team.
The modification means that designated assistant captains can now step in to offer advice on club selection, shot placement, and other crucial on-course decisions. Previously, this role was exclusively reserved for the team captain. The report indicates that American golfer Keegan Bradley was instrumental in proposing this change, which received approval from European captain luke Donald.
A source close to the situation explained that the overarching contract between the teams, which dictates aspects like the number of vice-captains, was modified with the approval of Ryder Cup Europe. This clause,rarely altered,was adjusted at Bradley’s request,with Donald’s “generous” agreement ensuring no “bad blood between the camps.”
Under this new arrangement, Jim Furyk, the captain of the U.S. team in their 2018 loss in Paris, is reportedly being considered to step into the captain’s role while Bradley is actively playing. Bradley is currently positioned 10th in the U.S. Ryder Cup standings, with the top six golfers earning automatic berths. The remaining six spots will be captain’s selections.
The U.S. team is looking to leverage home-course advantage at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, where the Ryder Cup will be held from September 26-28. This year’s event continues a recent trend where the host nation has been victorious in the last five Ryder Cups, dating back to 2014. The most recent American victory occurred in 2021 at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin.
Bradley has publicly stated his willingness to select himself for the team if he dose not secure an automatic spot, emphasizing his desire to contribute to the team’s success.Additionally, U.S. captain has confirmed that LIV Golf player Bryson DeChambeau will be a part of the Ryder Cup squad, highlighting DeChambeau’s significant contributions in terms of energy, passion, and his standing as “one of the best players on the planet.”
