When it comes to American players who played really well at the 2023 Ryder Cup, the list should probably include just one name – and that name is Max Homa.
The 2023 Ryder Cup is unlikely to be remembered particularly fondly by anyone representing the visitors in Rome. Zach Johnson’s men were dismantled over the first two days at Marco Simone, while there were also reports of a team rift which led to the European fans all waving their caps at Patrick Cantlay on Saturday afternoon.
A fightback on Sunday made the score look more respectable – and certainly had the European fans worried at one stage – but it was yet another away defeat for USA. The likes of Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele and Collin Morikawa failed to turn up, winning just three points from a combined 12 matches.
Max Homa however, won more points than the trio combined, taking 3.5 points from his five matches. It was a remarkable debut from Homa, who had also won all four of his matches on his Presidents Cup bow the previous year.
Max Homa shares what he heard Luke Donald say about the Ryder Cup he completely agrees with
Speaking to Sports Illustrated as he reflected on the experience, Homa suggested that something Luke Donald said about the event in the recent Una Famiglia documentary really struck a chord with him.
“Yeah. I have this [reaches on his shelf for a miniature Ryder Cup], they give you this even when you lose, and I don’t want it. I hate it because it’s just a reminder of how we got thumped, but I also like to look at it a lot because it’s super-motivating. I’m lucky I’ve been on three teams we’ve won two of them. I’ve never won a Ryder Cup,” he said.
“Luke Donald just said in the video that came out about it, that Darren Clarke told him, when you’re at one of these, you’re going to want to be at the rest of them for your entire career. And that could not be more accurate. I don’t want to picture not being in there and having to watch on TV, so, yeah, it definitely gets you up in the morning, deciding to go hit balls and and get better.”
The dilemma Keegan Bradley may face with Homa ahead of the 2025 Ryder Cup
Homa is one of the players who could really leave Keegan Bradley with a dilemma heading into Bethpage Black, particularly if his 2024 season is repeated in 2025.
Homa did not build on his outstanding showing at the Masters, where he appeared to have a real chance of winning until going long on the 12th hole on Sunday at Augusta National. He missed out on making it to the Tour Championship.
Homa was a controversial captain’s pick for the Presidents Cup. And while he would only win one point at Royal Montreal, it is fair to say that he showed a lot more of his old self than many probably expected.
With that, he appears to be a player who will be in the conversation for the 2025 Ryder Cup no matter how he performs throughout the season. Clearly, he is someone who can find another gear in matchplay events.
But he will be desperate to ensure that he is not relying on a captain’s pick for New York with his form in 2025.
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