The Ryder Cup is a biennial golf tournament between the European and US teams. This year, the event will take place at Hazeltine National Golf Club, in Chaska, Minnesota, USA.

The title in Scotland in 2014 was a victory This is the third consecutive defeat for the European team. But this time, experts believe Europe will have difficulty defending their top spot, bringing to the US a squad with six new recruits. These are Danny Willett, Chris Wood, Rafael Cabrera-Bello, Andy Sullivan, Matt Fitzpatrick, and... Thomas Pieters.

Willet là nhà Defending Masters champion, but not yet; Ryder Cup experience. Photo: Reuters.

Among these, Thomas Pieters, 24, was only selected by invitation, decided by captain Darren Clarke. The remaining two invitations for the European team were reserved for two experienced Ryder Cup golfers: Lee Westwood (43, British) and Martin Kaymer (31 years old, German).

"With Lee Westwood, I have one of the most experienced golfers at the Ryder Cup. Martin Kaymer is a strong player at the Ryder Cup, and a golfer I have great confidence in. Pieters just won in Denmark, his third title on the European Tour in 12 months, and before that "He played well at the 2016 Rio Olympics," Clarke explained. Captain Clarke even considers Lee Westwood the "general" of the European team this time. The veteran British golfer has made nine appearances at this prestigious team tournament, currently ranked 46th in the world, and has won all 42 of his previous tournaments. profession.

“When he talks about anything, everyone sits and listens. I chose him because he brings something that no one else has; “It’s possible,” Clarke added about Westwood. Martin Kaymer has also participated in the Ryder Cup three times, won 22 professional tournaments, and is currently ranked 50th in the world. Meanwhile, Pieters is currently ranked 41st, has only won three professional tournaments, and is ranked 50th. Fourth place at the Rio 2016 Olympics.

The remaining nine European golfers earned their place in the tournament thanks to their recent achievements. Among the golfers who automatically qualified for the European team, there are: up to five rookies.

“That will be a very big job for us to handle. Those golfers don't have Ryder Cup experience, but they are included based on ranking points, that's their right. However, I'm not too worried about the team's strength. They have talent, and I am very proud to be their captain”, Clarke commented.

Clarke is optimistic about the prospects of the European team at the 2016 Ryder Cup. Photo: Belfast Telegraph.

The most prominent among the European golfers making their Ryder Cup debut is Danny Willett, the 2016 Masters champion. This English golfer is currently ranked 11th in the world, below his teammates Justin Rose (10), Rory McIlroy (5) and Henrik Stenson (4).

The US has only won once opponents since 2006. But the basis for their confidence in this year's tournament is the home crowd advantage. Their most recent title was in 2008, in Valhalla, Kentucky.

Nguyen Phát