Ryder Cup Italy, preview before The Open 2023

2023 /July 10

3 Majors Played – Rome’s Captain’s Headaches

Europe’s recent tournament results haven’t fluctuated as much the US team’s have with the first three Majors. Brooks Koepka is in the US team with others wavering that were considered “in”—due to lackluster results in these three Majors.

Europeans have played well; Matt Fitzpatrick didn’t defend successfully sadly at LACC in the US Open; Jon Rahm and others had major problems too at LACC. Rory’s lack of a W in these three Majors is devasting for Europe and him…the British remains.

US’s bright spot with Keegan Bradley’s scoring record win at the Travelers his second W of the year (Zozo Championship) rockets him in to 7th place on the US team list where he competed in 2014 plus Wyndham Clark’s amazing US Open W. The US’s top six start with World No 1 Scottie Scheffler, Wyndham Clark, Brooks Koepka, Xander Schauffele, Patrick Cantlay, Max Homa. Lots of other notables are hover outside…. these are still early days. Captain Zack Johnson has six picks.

Life is a brighter for Luke Donald’s Europe team rankings on World points rank Jon Rahm No. 1, Rory McIlroy, Viktor Hovland, Tyrrell Hatton, Matt Fitzpatrick, Tommy Fleetwood, Shane Lowry…Justin Rose with his W at Pebble Beach this year and resurgent play follows. Poland’s Adrian Meronk is next, then Austria’s Sepp Straka, Seamus Power, Victor Perez, Alex Noren follow. Six players are by selection points. Captain Donald has six picks to complete his team following the DP Worlds BMW, Wentworth early September. Germany’s Yannick Paul, Robert MacIntyre, and more are in the mix…

The sensational news of PGA/LIV/ DP World Tour with all legal proceedings dropped against players, etc and the forthcoming merger of golf’s activities still must clarify if players are eligible or not for the Matches, plus golf’s new future structure and organization.

A long hot summer on both sides of the Atlantic for all chasing a spot on their coveted Ryder Cup team….

18th hole – Marco Simone Golf and Country Club Italy

Susanne Kemper, Golf-Trotter reporter

breaking news – The Open 2023

2023 Royal Liverpool Golf Club – 16 – 23 July 2023

Rory McIlroy lifted the Claret Jug the last time. The Open was held at Royal Liverpool in 2014. The course will stage the Championship for the 13th time in 2023.

Photos : With compliments of Rolex

Captain Luke Donald with the trophy at the One Year to Go celebrations in Rome