United States captain Jim Furyk has declared that his team will enter the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in County Limerick, Ireland, as underdogs.
The Americans are seeking to end a 34-year winless streak on European soil, with the event scheduled for September 17-19, 2027.
The US side has suffered seven consecutive defeats in Europe since its last away victory at The Belfry in 1993.
Furyk, who oversaw the 2018 loss in France, was reappointed following Keegan Bradley's team loss to Luke Donald's European squad at Bethpage Black in 2025.
"We know what we are up against, we also know it's been 34 years since we won in Europe," Furyk said.
"There is no secret, I'm going to hear it over and over again so I am going to embrace it."
Furyk highlighted the tactical advantage held by the hosting nation, pointing to the ability of European leadership to shape playing conditions.
"Luke and Dodo [Edoardo Molinari, vice-captain] have the opportunity to set the golf course up, tip the scales for Europe.
We're the underdogs," Furyk said.
The captain emphasized that traditional expectations surrounding American dominance do not apply to the upcoming tournament.
"I know it's always been the Americans who seem to be the favourites, this year there is no chance that could happen," Furyk said.
"We are the underdogs, we understand that and we have a lot of work ahead of us."
Roster Development and Tactical Adjustments
Focusing on roster development, Furyk pointed to past pairings like Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas alongside newcomer Jackson Koivun as inspiration to integrate younger players into the squad.
"I really love the guys who have played for us in the past few years," Furyk said.
He expressed optimism about combining experienced roster veterans with fresh prospects ahead of the matches in Ireland.
"We have tough, gritty veterans who have been around the block, and I'm excited, we have a lot of great, young talent who have yet to play in this cup and I'd bet two or three of them will be at Adare," Furyk said.
Addressing performance deficiencies, Furyk noted that the United States secured only three points out of 16 in alternate-shot formats over the last two Ryder Cups.
"I know those numbers very well. I've lived them the last four," Furyk said.
He acknowledged systemic tactical issues within the foursomes matches that require immediate adjustments.
"It's not an anomaly. There's some issues.
We understand that. Not something I'm very happy with.
I plan on making some changes," Furyk said.
Concluding his tactical review, Furyk stressed the need for improved leadership preparation.
"As captains we need to do a better job – not only putting the folks into good pairings in good positions, but I don't think we are preparing for those matches in a proper way," Furyk said.
European captain Luke Donald, who guided Europe to a 16½-11½ victory in Rome in 2023 and a 15-13 win at Bethpage in 2025, questioned Furyk's assessment regarding team expectations according to BBC Sport NI.
"I think reading between the lines, he is very focused on this Ryder Cup and wants to make amends for what happened in 2018 and the last two Ryder Cups," Donald said.
Donald expressed confidence in his team's preparation while anticipating a highly competitive American squad.
"He's going to bring a very strong team, that's why I'm not quite so certain that they'll definitely be the underdogs.
They'll be strong and will be coming for us but we'll be ready," Donald said.
Looking toward team composition for the centenary event, Donald noted that potential rookies Eugenio Chacarra, Angel Ayora, Alex Fitzpatrick, and Kristoffer Reitan attended a scouting session at Adare Manor.
"Certainly something unique was that we had a lot of continuity with the last two teams but I expect that to shift a little bit for this one," Donald said.
The 48-year-old Englishman aims to become the first captain to win three consecutive Ryder Cups.
"There's always new talent coming up, it's about recognising that, getting to know new players, understanding how they tick and coming up with a great plan for success," Donald said.
The 2027 event marks the second time Ireland has hosted the Ryder Cup following the 2006 tournament at the K Club.
