The final 15-13 scoreline does not really capture how the Ryder Cup unfolded, with Europe holding a much larger advantage for most of the week.
Over the first two days at Bethpage Black, Europe looked a class above in every session, quickly taking control of the event.
Keegan Bradley’s side fought back hard on Sunday to make it close, but they simply left themselves with too much ground to make up.
Unfortunately, the behaviour of some fans took away from the event. Loud support is part of what makes home Ryder Cups special, but too often it crossed a line into something more hostile than passionate.
This must change moving forward, as must the entire US Ryder Cup set-up, from top to bottom.
Stewart Cink throws his hat in the ring for USA’s Ryder Cup captaincy
Stewart Cink has been a familiar face on the PGA Tour for over 30 years, with eight wins to his name, including the 2009 Open Championship.
The Alabama native, who now spends most of his time on the senior circuit, remains a respected figure within golf circles.
He has also played in five Ryder Cups for Team USA and was part of one winning side.
As talk turns to who might take over as captain for Adare Manor 2027, Cink has made it clear he would be interested.
“Heck yeah I’m interested in being the Ryder Cup captain. I would love to represent the United States and the players, take some of the experience I’ve got and apply it.
“Hopefully get this thing turned around. It feels like the Ryder Cup has been a European party for about 15 years or more and I would love to try and change that.”
PGA of America decision left Stewart Cink feeling ‘gutted’
Cink was a contender for the US team captaincy at Bethpage Black.
He felt confident about his interview with the PGA of America, believing he had performed well.
But after that, he never heard back, and Keegan Bradley ended up being given the job instead.
“I was gutted. I thought I had a pretty good shot at it,” he said. “It’s not a selfish thing though; I want the team to be the best team it can be. I thought the PGA got themselves into a mess this year because Keegan was one of our top 12 players and because he was captain, they kind of prevented him from playing. I don’t have any desire or designs to think that I will be on the next team. So, we can remove that topic right away. But I’m not that far removed from playing out there every week and the majors and even winning tournaments.”
The key question is why Cink went through an interview process for the role while Bradley did not have to do so?
The Vermont native has said that his first contact with PGA of America came when they offered him the position.
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