Frustrated US vice-captain makes candid remark on Bethpage Black greens

Follow us on Google Discover

Team Europe put on a strong showing against the United States in the opening day of the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.

Part of that came down to some poor choices from Keegan Bradley, but it was really the European putting that made the difference. The American captain had set up Bethpage Black to give his side an edge, but it did not play out that way.

Bradley pointed to Europe’s putting as a big factor, and it was hard to argue with him. Luke Donald’s squad kept their foot down and never gave the Americans a chance to recover.

The decision to pair Collin Morikawa with Harris English drew particular attention, as they struggled against Ludvig Aberg and Viktor Hovland in fourballs.

With Europe now in control, it is hard to imagine Team USA making a comeback.

US vice-captain voices concerns over Bethpage Black greens at Ryder Cup

The mood in the United States camp was one of frustration on Friday at Bethpage.

Europe not only played better, but they also benefited from a captain who made all the right calls on the opening day.

But according to one US vice-captain, the setup of the course left a lot to be desired.

The greens at Bethpage were a particular sore point for Bradley’s staff.

According to European golf journalist Jamie Kennedy, one of Bradley’s vice-captains was overheard shouting into his radio: “They need to be rolled and faster tomorrow.”

In years past, faster greens would have given the Americans an edge. But today, with so many Europeans playing regularly on the PGA Tour, that advantage has largely disappeared.

How putting shaped day one at Bethpage Black

On Friday, only four Americans were among the top 12 in strokes gained putting.

• READ MORE: Smylie Kaufman calls out Scottie Scheffler’s shocking start to the Ryder Cup

That is something that has to improve if the US wants any hope of getting back into this Ryder Cup.

Here is a look at how the strokes gained stats broke down after Friday’s action:

The American team need to improve their putting and engage the crowd more effectively. But now it seems too late.