It took a historic final-day rally for the Americans to avoid a monumental upset loss at the Presidents Cup, but that didn’t stop U.S. captain Brandt Snedeker from whoofing afterward that this group was “going to be a problem” next year at Adare Manor.
The Americans haven’t won the Ryder Cup on foreign soil since 1993, and they figure to be underdogs again given that decades-long history and their recent struggles in foursomes play.
European captain Luke Donald, speaking Tuesday at the captains’ year-to-go event in Ireland, was asked about Snedeker’s remarks in the afterglow of victory – a question that prompted a laugh and smile from Jim Furyk.
“I kinda tend to agree,” Donald said. “Zero complacency about how strong the U.S. are going to be. They always are; on paper they tend to be stronger than us through the world rankings.
“Obviously, we have a great record at home, but again, zero complacency.”
Donald pointed to how Furyk, now in his second stint as captain, has already overhauled his stats team and qualification criteria to try and find the winning formula for the Americans.
“He’s very, very motivated to come here and put up a good fight,” Donald said. “Certainly, I’m just as motivated to keep finding those edges for my team as well. I know that the U.S. will be very strong.”
It’s unclear whether Snedeker will be a part of Furyk’s staff next year at Adare Manor. As of now, only Stewart Cink and Justin Leonard have been named American vice captains.
