Since Europe polished off the Americans at Gleneagles, there has been a hell of a hullabaloo over on the other side of the pond.
The powers that be in American golf, as well as current players, former captains and various legends of the game have attempted to explain just why team Europe have won 9 of the last 14 contests, not including a halved match at The Belfry in 1989.
It may seem that Europe have become the dominant force in the biennial contest between the two sides, and while that is certainly the case when it comes to overall wins, when you dig a little deeper, the odd occasion side, there’s never usually too much between the sides.
A quick look at the last four Ryder Cups, of which Europe have won three, highlights this, with Europe (57) edging the Americans (55) by just two points.
What is it that get Europe over the line more often than not in recent years?
So what separates the two teams?
While you could argue that it’s simply a case of the putts dropping for one team and not the other, you can’t ignore the intangible quality the Europeans seem to possess in comparison to their American counterparts.
This is what is being talked about at length and while Tom Watson’s team point fingers and the PGA of America create its Ryder Cup Task Force, team Europe continue to wax lyrical about the meticulous and, in some ways, ground breaking preparation and execution of Paul McGinley, the European Ryder Cup captain.
Part of that preparation it has been revealed, were numerous life size posters that were designed to inspire the passion and togetherness oft associated with the European Ryder Cup teams of recent years.
Created by Nick Bradley (check him out on twitter @thenickbradley), who has worked with McGinley on his own game in recent times, these posters featured the type of motivational imagery that has become a trademark of Bradley’s coaching literature. McGinley commissioned Bradley months before the match at Gleneagles, to create the posters which would eventually be placed in the European team room.
Clearly, they had the desired effect…
This image signifies the togetherness associated with the European Ryder Cup. 12 equal parts pulling in the same direction for one common cause.
While the Americans undoubtedly owned the Ryder Cup in years gone past, this image reminds those on team Europe that this is their time.
Of course, nothing inspires Team Europe like the great Seve Ballesteros, evidence of which was seen at the Miracle at Medinah.
Graeme McDowell was seen as a leader by McGinley, who sent him out in the first singles match on Ryder Cup Sunday. McDowell didn’t disappoint.
Rose was also a symbol of the never say die attitude that served Europe so well in Chicago two years ago. That spirit would be required again at Gleneagles.
Ian Poulter is seen my many as the modern day Seve when it comes to Ryder Cup passion and this image reminds all involved this is more than just your average golf event.
