Team USA captain Keegan Bradley has built a reputation for wearing his emotions on his sleeve. That was evident once again following Saturday’s second day of the 45th Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.
Team USA has shockingly lost all four sessions thus far. That has led to the Europeans holding the largest lead entering Sunday in modern Ryder Cup history, 11.5 to 4.5.
Following play, Bradley met with the media to answer some tough questions. One of which was what he told his team, knowing hope was all but lost.
“The message was, I was at that 28-3 game against the Falcons,” Bradley said.
“If you were a 16-year-old kid, and you were going to get to go play for your country in singles in New York at Bethpage Black, you would be so excited.
“Of course I want to go out there and make history tomorrow. They all do.”
He is, of course, referencing the New England Patriots’ impossible comeback in Super Bowl LI. Late in the third quarter, the Patriots trailed 28-3, but miraculously came from behind to force overtime. They eventually won 34-28, completing the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history.
Granted, Bradley is a New England native and Patriots fan.
Nevertheless, Team USA needs a similar miracle. But unlike the Super Bowl, a game that is a team sport, the final day of the Ryder Cup is as individual as it gets.
There are 12 one-on-one matches. In order for the Americans to win back the Ryder Cup, they need to win at least 10 of those matches. Knowing how well the Europeans are playing, that seems impossible.
“The Europeans have played incredible. It’s been really impressive to see,” said Bradley.
“This is, you know, for me, being up close, I think it’s one of the best performances of a road team in any sport. … They have played great. They have putted even better.”
Indeed, Team Europe seemingly drained every important putt through two days. Meanwhile, the Americans missed nearly every chance they had to win a hole.
The pairings for Sunday singles at the Ryder Cup have been released. Golf fans have a treat in front of them, as world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and world No. 2 Rory McIlroy will square off in the fourth match of the day.
At this point, the Americans will more than likely be looking to save face. Four years ago, they defeated Team Europe 19-9 in the largest margin of victory in Ryder Cup history. Now, they look to avoid that record being broken, but on home soil.
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