FURYK SAYS USA ARE RYDER CUP UNDERDOGS AHEAD OF ADARE MANOR

Jim Furyk, the United States captain for this year's Ryder Cup, said his team go into the contest at Adare Manor as underdogs. Furyk said the US could not be considered favourites this year. Scottie Scheffler is part of the US team for the contest. Furyk said the team had "a lot of work" ahead of it before the event and described himself as a "process guy" focused on preparation. He said he was looking for twelve players capable of thriving in a partisan atmosphere away from home. This is Furyk's second spell as US captain.

Furyk previously captained the US at Le Golf National in 2018, when the team lost to Europe. Europe has also won the two most recent contests, at Marco Simone and at Bethpage Black, with Luke Donald captaining the winning side. During the 2018 contest, Phil Mickelson's tee shot found water at the 16th hole. Francesco Molinari won all five of his matches at that Ryder Cup, a feat achieved by a major champion for the first time. He was soaked in beer during Europe's celebrations.

Furyk said he expected large numbers of fans to travel from across Europe to Adare Manor in Ireland to support the home side. He said Irish sports fans created an atmosphere that demanded a particular mentality from his players. Furyk said he had been emphasising all week that he needed twelve players who would embrace that environment rather than be unsettled by it. He said his preparations were continuing in the build-up to the contest.