Even now, before the start of the Ryder Cup, many famous faces of the golf scene are giving their forecasts of what could possibly happen. On one side we have the Europeans led by Luke Donald, who was a key figure in the European team's victory two years ago. He will be the captain again, while on the other hand, Keegan Bradley, the captain of the American team, takes this role for the first time.
Although he is a bit inexperienced for this position, at least according to public opinion, Bradley certainly possesses qualities that could be key for the team.
Important figures of the golf scene, such as Jamie Diaz, gave interesting predictions regarding Keegan.
Diaz considered all possible scenarios, including the possibility of the veterans failing.
However, he points out that Bradley must also assume the role of a psychologist, and position himself in the right way.
Although there is mutual respect between the players and the captain, Diaz believes that Keegan must show authority and somehow be above them in order for the US team to succeed.
“I think it will be the biggest challenge. The biggest challenge will be if the veterans start to under-perform at the Ryder Cup. Will he have the ability to comfortably tell the veterans to say we are putting in the young guys, I’m sorry?
Keegan is a young guy himself and he has never really been among the elite. So does he have that psychological stature to go to a guy? He is the captain and I’m sure they will honour that but it’s still an awkward situation."- he said, as quoted by The Golfing Gazette.
What can we expect?
He believes that the US team will have a tough conversation if Keegan has to withdraw the controversial decision and show authority.
However, he believes a mitigating circumstance will be that he has previously made calls to players who will not be part of the team and knows very well how to communicate difficult decisions.
However, maybe the captain of the American team will not need such talks at all if his team is dominant.
