Luke Donald should rest his stars for singles

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European captain Luke Donald admitted that he would certainly have to resolve to leave his stars to rest, at one point during the first four sessions of the next Ryder Cup (September 29 – October 1) on a very hilly Roman course, in order to have fresh players for the Sunday singles which will prove decisive.

Luke Donald, situation

Physical freshness could make the difference at the next Ryder Cup in Italy. Pete Cowen had already noted the physical dimension of the Roman course, Luke Donald confirms by admitting to thinking about not having his stars play during the five sessions in three days (two foursomes, two four-balls and a single).

Rory McIlroy, for example, played all five matches in 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2018 (he missed the Saturday foursomes in 2021), as did Viktor Hovland and Jon Rahm in 2021. The three stars of the European team should make the 'stalemate once each in 2023.

“If I ask the guys to play all five games, I think they'll all say yes. But we have to think about Sunday because 12 points out of 28 will be at stake on the last day. It will have to be fresh. It will be a tiring journey.

And it can be very hot”. Traditionally, Europe tends to have its stars play more often with 14 times five sessions offered since 2012 for Europeans, compared to eight in the USA. On a course at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club which is certainly one of the hilliest in the history of the Ryder Cup, it will be necessary to keep strong for the twelve decisive singles on Sunday.

The European captain knows it. Zach Johnson to. The competition, named after the trophy donated by Englishman Samuel Ryder (1858–1936) to the American federation in 1924, is co-managed by the European Tour and the PGA of America.

From 1927 to 1971 the tournament took place between the selection of the United States and that of Great Britain, with a clear American dominance (15-3) and only one draw. Ireland was incorporated into Great Britain in 1973 and the rest of continental Europe in 1979.

Following the acceptance of the European team as an antagonist of the US team, the tournament was much more balanced: from 1979 to 2018, in fact, there were eleven successes for Europe, eight for the United States and only one draw.