Luke Donald's strategy for the Ryder Cup '23

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With the thrilling Solheim Cup triumphantly behind us (thanks to the splendid efforts of the ladies!), all eyes are now fixed on the Marco Simone Golf & Country course, where the 44th edition of the Ryder Cup is set to tee off on Friday morning.

Luke Donald, statements

After numerous announcements, controversies, confirmations, and denials, it's finally time for play and strategy. In a recent interview with GolfMagic, the skipper of Team Europe provided a clear indication regarding overall strategy.

The strongest players will be "spared."

Historically, Team Europe has fielded players for every match in all five rounds of play.

If we examine the last five editions, the European team placed a single player in all three days of play fourteen times, compared to eight times for Team USA.

But this time will be different, as Donald stated:

"It's something we've talked and discussed with some of those players who would be eligible to play five matches, asking them what they expect this week."

"Adrenaline is a crucial component of the Ryder Cup, so if you ask a player to play five matches, he will.

But we have to think about Sunday and the singles because 12 of the 28 points are up for grabs."

"We need fresh energy, the course is physically demanding, and it will be pretty hot." Ryder Cup matches include various types of match play between players chosen from the 2 teams each played over 18 holes.

According to the formula now in force, the competition includes eight foursomes challenges, eight fourballs and twelve individual matches. The winner or winning couple of each challenge gets one point for their team, in case of a draw both teams get half a point.

A foursome match is a match between two pairs of golfers: the players of the same team however take turns hitting the ball. Fourball is always a game between two pairs, but each player completes his hole independently, choosing the best result of the pair, and comparing it with that of his opponents.

An individual challenge is finally a match between two golfers in which each finishes his own hole and compares his result with that of his opponent. In all three cases, each hole is won by the team or individual with the fewest strokes, and whoever wins the most holes wins the match.