Sunday comeback shows spirit, but exposes US Ryder Cup flaws

The Ryder Cup has always been a contest that stirs emotions, and this year’s edition was no different. Team USA entered the final day staring at what seemed like an impossible task—overturning a 12–5 deficit against a confident European squad. What followed on Sunday was a display of grit and pride, as the Americans launched a fierce fightback in the singles matches. Several players dug deep, claiming vital points and sparking murmurs of one of the greatest comebacks in golf history. Yet as the dust settled, the final scoreboard told the real story: Europe held firm to secure a 15–13 victory.

For the U.S., the late surge was commendable but ultimately cosmetic. Their performance throughout the earlier sessions had left them with too much ground to cover. Europe’s dominance in foursomes and four-ball gave them a cushion that even a near-perfect Sunday from the Americans could not erase. It was a pattern familiar to Ryder Cup watchers: a U.S. team brimming with talent but falling behind early, only to mount a desperate rally when the margin had already become insurmountable.

One of the key issues lay in strategy. Captain Keegan Bradley, in his first stint leading the team, admitted afterward that he may have made mistakes in course setup and pairings. The Marco Simone course played to Europe’s strengths, with tighter fairways and punishing roughs that neutralized the Americans’ distance advantage. In hindsight, Bradley suggested he “would have set the course up a little differently,” a quiet acknowledgement that tactical missteps played a role in his team’s struggles.

Player performances were another sore point. Scottie Scheffler, the world’s number one and centerpiece of the U.S. lineup, endured a historically rough Ryder Cup. He became the first American ever to lose a match in each of the first four sessions, visibly shaken at times by the pressure. Though he salvaged pride with a singles win on Sunday, his early struggles epitomized the inconsistency that plagued the U.S. roster. Other stars failed to fire when needed, leaving too much responsibility on a handful of players who eventually led the comeback.

In contrast, Europe’s balance and consistency stood out. From Rory McIlroy’s leadership to the contributions of emerging stars, the hosts played as a unit from start to finish. They built momentum early, sustained it, and never allowed the Americans to feel comfortable. Their ability to manage pressure and thrive in team formats once again underlined why Europe has dominated the Ryder Cup in recent decades, especially on home soil.

The American fightback deserves credit, and it showed that the team has the resilience and talent to compete with the best. But it also laid bare systemic problems that have haunted U.S. squads for years—an inability to start strong, questionable strategic planning, and an overreliance on individual brilliance rather than cohesive teamwork. Until those flaws are addressed, spirited Sunday rallies will continue to be memorable footnotes rather than match-winning turnarounds.

For now, Europe celebrates another triumph, while the U.S. is left to reflect on a campaign that ended with pride restored but ultimate victory still out of reach.