Sir Nick Faldo has arrived at Bethpage Black for the Ryder Cup, which gets underway in New York on Friday.
A dream Ryder Cup opening match could really get the fans going at Bethpage, host of the prestigious event between the United States and Europe.
Keegan Bradley has impressed as captain thus far, with the American focusing solely on that role after opting against picking himself to play.
Bradley thinks a playing role is “impossible” at Bethpage, where the United States will be under pressure to deliver success on home soil.
Europe achieved that feat last time out, with Luke Donald guiding his side to Ryder Cup success in Rome in 2023.
Sir Nick Faldo calls out ‘psychological warfare’ from the USA at the Ryder Cup
He has now arrived at the New York course as the tournament approaches, as has Ryder Cup legend Sir Nick Faldo.
And the six-time major champion believes the mind games have already started ahead of the event, having noticed a sign at Bethpage showing the USA have 27 Ryder Cup wins compared to Europe’s 15.
He said in a video posted on his X account: “Hello there! Just jetted over from London yesterday, first time here at Bethpage Black.
“It’s 12.30 on the Sunday before, and the first thing I spot is this wonderful sign right at the clubhouse. 27 to 15.
“Ha! Bit of psychological warfare, because as we Europeans know, it’s 11 to us to seven to them over the last 40 years, ever since we were Europe and started winning as Europe.
“So that’s an interesting little thing. I should get my Sharpie out and change the numbers.
“Anyway, it’s going to be a great week. Can’t wait. I’m going to go tour the golf course, and I will be reporting and giving you all my insights throughout the week. So good stuff, see you soon.”
How Europe are using away Ryder Cup wins as motivation for Bethpage Black
The sign installed at Bethpage Black addresses the entire history of the event, with the USA posting 27 wins compared to Europe’s 15, with two ties.
But Faldo has jokingly taken exception to that record, instead focusing on 1979 onwards, although he may have his numbers slightly off.
Previously, the side took on their fierce rivals as Great Britain and subsequently Great Britain & Ireland, before Europe.
They have been the dominant force in recent times, picking up one memorable win on away soil to go with their many home victories.
As shared by captain Donald, the visitors are using that history to inspire their latest attempt at an away win, while the hosts may be doing something similar in order to ensure history doesn’t repeat itself.
Neither team has won an away Ryder Cup since Europe’s unforgettable Miracle at Medinah in 2012, which followed similar successes in 1987, 1995 and 2004.
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