Golf is a sport that is developing in a direction that some did not expect. However, this is the reality of today's era, and it is certain that other sports are following or have already taken a similar path.
More and more emphasis is placed on analysis and statistics, and it seems that most make decisions based on them.
However, although some expected Keegan Bradley, the American captain, to choose his six picks based solely on statistics and analytics, this is far from the truth.
An experienced golfer is aware that such things fall through the cracks when you find yourself under enormous pressure at prestigious tournaments like the Ryder Cup.
His main focus was on the performances of golfers at major tournaments, as well as at other important PGA events.
He is aware that mentally strong, but also quality players are needed, who can show strength when it is most difficult.
“Well, we look mostly at who has the lowest score at the end of the tournaments. We look at the data. We look at the analytics and we look at how they would fare at Bethpage, how they would fare in each format, but ultimately we want to see the guys that win and the guys that are up in the majors, the guys that are up in the playoff events.
The data and the analytics isn’t going to matter on that first tee when there’s 40,000 fans screaming at you. We take that into account and we look at it and we apply it when we can. But we want guys that we know can handle the situation, that can handle the moment and are going to go out there and win points."- he said, as quoted by the Daily Record.
Bradley does not deny that they took statistics and analytics into account
However, on the other hand, the 39-year-old golfer does not deny that he will take into account analyzes and statistics when it comes to a duel with a European team. Together with his vice-captains, he familiarized himself with the statistics and analytics of his team.
They had to think carefully about various scenarios and potential outcomes, and ultimately made decisions that they believed were best for their team.
However, Keegan Bradley does not want to put the main focus on it, knowing that there are many factors that will affect his team.
We will find out in a few weeks whether the American team can celebrate this year.
