The chemistry of the American team has been a recurring theme in recent Ryder Cups, with Europe winning eight of the past 11 editions
Justin Rose has stoked tensions in the build-up to the Ryder Cup by claiming that Team USA has failed to understand what it genuinely takes to function as an effective team.
The camaraderie, or absence of it, within the American squad has remained a persistent talking point throughout recent Ryder Cup encounters, with Europe claiming victory in eight of the last 11 tournaments.
In a bid to finally silence these criticisms, captain Keegan Bradley seems to have made determined efforts to strengthen the relationships amongst his players.
Such concerns have rarely troubled Europe; their players have maintained solid friendships away from the course whilst embracing the squad’s rich heritage and drawing motivation from legendary figures of previous generations.
Rose and his colleagues touched down at Bethpage on Monday for a 48-hour reconnaissance mission in preparation for the competition, which commences on Friday, September 26.
The former world number one, who has been in excellent form following his triumph at the FedEx St. Jude Championship last month, acknowledges that the era of American teams being undermined by egos and self-interest has passed, though he maintains that Team Europe’s unity feels more “organic.
“I think the US team have definitely bonded a lot more in recent years, and I think that they do have pockets of good friendships,” Rose told Sky Sports.
“But I think the Americans have gotten a little bit… they think being a great team is about being best mates. I really don’t think that’s what being a great team is.
“Being a great team is having a kind of a real good theme and having an identity that has come from players before you, and you all buy into that vision.”
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“I think America have tried too hard to become a team, whereas Europe is a bit more natural and organic, and I think it comes from deeper roots in a way.”
The New York crowd has become a major talking point in the build-up to the tournament, with Bradley and his squad planning to use the atmosphere generated by the home supporters to their benefit.
Rose believes this is all part of the test of securing an away Ryder Cup victory, and he reckons “resilience” will be crucial for himself and his colleagues.
“I think we’ve been talking about the Ryder Cup in Bethpage for probably 10 years. We’ve been anticipating it, wondering what it’s going to be like, and how intense it’s going to be,” the former U.S. Open winner explained.
“New Yorkers are crazy, and I think they become sort of caricatures of themselves. I think they feel like they have to live up to that reputation. So, fully expect absolute chaos out there.
“But I’m also not sure that that’s necessarily bad either. There comes a point where it just becomes noise, the more there is, potentially, I’m hoping it fades into just chaos and noise, which actually might be easier than one or two very, very distracting targeted noises.
“So, we’ll see, but I’m expecting that too. I really don’t know, my point is I actually don’t know what to expect, but I think we have to make a mental commitment.
“I’m not going in unprepared by saying I don’t know what to expect. I’m going in saying, ‘I don’t know what to expect, but I’m willing to commit to not rising to anything, not taking the bait, willing to just accept and absorb and let things roll off your back.’ You need that resilience.
“I think that’s what we’re accepting, that you’re going to need resilience that week, 100 per cent. But who knows what it’s actually going to be like in person. It’s going to be wild.”
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