Welcome to the ninth installment of our “Caddie Confidential” series, with monthly, inside-the-ropes perspective from dozens of Tour caddies on rotating golf topics. Up this month: we tackle all things related to this week’s Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin.
The 2020 Ryder Cup — delayed one year due to the COVID pandemic — finally takes place later this week at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin.
The U.S. team, led by captain Steve Stricker, will be looking to avenge its loss to Europe in the 2018 Ryder Cup in Paris. Since 1995, the Europeans have dominated the U.S. with a record of 9-3. The Americans last won in 2016 at Hazeltine in Chaska, Minnesota.
So, which team will win this time around?
We polled nearly four dozen PGA Tour caddies to get their opinion on a variety of questions related to the Ryder Cup in this month’s installment of Caddie Confidential, promising them anonymity in an effort to get their most honest answers.
First question:
Which team will win the Ryder Cup?
— An overwhelming 72.7% of the caddies polled said the U.S. will win
— Despite incredible success over nearly three decades, only 27.3% of caddies polled thought Europe would be victories
We then asked respondents why they thought the U.S. or Europe would win.
What makes you think the U.S. will win?
Check out this selection of responses from caddies:
The U.S. is too deep.
They’re more talented and want it more.
Better players on the roster and a strong desire to redeem themselves from Paris in 2018.
It’s just the strength of this team.
I think the home soil and length bias favors the U.S.
Younger studs rising. A nice transition over to the next generation with Phil not playing.
It’s a matter of odds. It’s time for the USA.
It’s our time.
The U.S. are due.
It’s in the U.S. and they are loaded with talent.
The team is stacked and it’s on U.S. soil.
What makes you think Europe will win?
Europeans tend to have more of a team mindset and play well together, as well as get along.
They always win. I don’t see anything to suggest it’ll be different this time around.
They want it more.
Europe has players that know how to play as a team.
Europe are a closer-knit group and they care more about it.
Like always, Europe has chemistry and USA does not.
Great players that really play as a team and enjoy each other.
Interested in more from our September 2021 installment of Caddie Confidential? Be sure to check out caddies’ favorite Ryder Cup moments, as well as their explanations for Europe’s dominance since 1995.
You can view all the results from our entire Caddie Confidential by clicking here.