Keegan Bradley given blunt Ryder Cup warning over | Golf News

Three-time European Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallacher has warned Keegan Bradley that he has his work cut out for him if the “untested” American group is to keep away from a home defeat next week.

The forty fifth Ryder Cup will kick off at Bethpage Black in New York on Sep. 26, with Luke Donald’s Europeans defending their title after a decisive win in Rome two years prior. In a stunning transfer, the PGA of America appointed world No. 12 Bradley as captain.

At 39, Bradley is the youngest Ryder Cup captain since Arnold Palmer, who was 34 in 1963. Gallacher believes Bradley faces a daunting process. Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy has revealed the drastic tactic Europe is taking to deal with the rowdy home crowd.

He and his group spent the weekend making ready in Napa, California, before heading to Bethpage next week. The 12-man American group consists of 4 rookies: J. J. Spaun, Russell Henley, Cam Young, and Ben Griffin, all making their first Ryder Cup appearances.

In distinction, 11 members of the victorious European group from Rome are returning, with Rasmus Hojgaard changing his twin brother, Nicolai, as the only change.

Gallacher thinks Europe has a vital benefit, leaving Bradley and his gamers with a steep uphill battle in Long Island.

“For Luke, everything has fallen into place,” Gallacher told Bunkered. “As far as the Americans are concerned, I am sure Luke is watching and seeing four rookies. They are untested.

“The supporters expect all 12 of their gamers to play great. We know [Scottie] Scheffler is a great participant, [Xander] Schauffele, Justin Thomas, Bryson [DeChambeau], [Collin] Morikawa. But do we all know about Cam Young, J.J. Spaun, Russell Henley? No, we do not. They could have even never attended a Ryder Cup. Keegan Bradley has received work to do and that is figure that Luke doesn’t have.”

The home advantage factor has proven crucial in the previous five Ryder Cup tournaments, with the host nation claiming victory each time. Europe’s last triumph on foreign soil came in 2012 when José María Olazábal’s squad achieved the legendary “outstanding end result at Medinah.”

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An enthusiastic home crowd will undoubtedly provide massive support for Bradley and his squad, yet Gallacher is convinced this European roster, led by Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm, possesses the capability to break the pattern.

“Europe has received a actually good probability of breaking the dominance of the home aspect. It is a very skilled group, and everyone seems to be taking part in nicely,” Gallacher said.

“It might be very close, even a drawn match, but I believe Europe has an excessive amount of expertise for this American aspect. The only benefit the Americans have is the gang, but I believe our group is the better group to be trustworthy.”