Patrick Cantlay won only half of the matches he played in the 2023 Ryder Cup. In any other edition of the event, it would have been acceptable. But playing in Europe under intense pressure, the 33-year-old had more than just his performance in Rome in his mind. Cantlay’s was infamous for the controversial Hatgate incident in 2023. And he may have been too focused on his individual goal of making a statement rather than performing for Team U.S. Then again, that is just how the American side has always been.

Cantlay stood tall without wearing a Team U.S.A. hat at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club to protest against the PGA of America. He strongly believed that the team should get paid by the PGA for representing the country. It was the beginning of one of the most controversial debates of the 44th Ryder Cup. Even though the PGA of America has succumbed to the demands, it doesn’t put the team in a positive light.

But it’s not like the American side is taking the Ryder Cup too seriously. This year, the entire squad was seen skipping ties and wearing sneakers to a formal event, the Ryder Cup Gala. They are placing themselves in a position where they can’t be taken seriously as a competitor. Enough about the present. Let’s take a peek at more instances from the past that proves why Team U.S. has never cared about the Ryder Cup.

However, it’s not just the players who don’t give importance to the Ryder Cup. Even the media houses often ignore the accomplishments of pros in the team event. Tiger Woods shed light on it during a press conference in 2004.

He asked the reporters, “Anybody know what Jack Nicklaus’ record is in the Ryder Cup?”

The room fell dead silent. The Golden Bear holds a record of 17-8-3 in 6 appearances.

But when Woods asked everyone, “How many majors did he win?” everyone was quick to respond, “18.”

The perception that individual records mean more than team efforts has been instilled in the American professional golf landscape for ages. Hence, while the amazing achievements of Sergio Garcia in the Ryder Cup are celebrated all over Europe, Phil Mickelson‘s long run isn’t.

“I personally would pay for the privilege to play in the Ryder Cup.” – Rory McIlroy

Despite his amazing record in the purest form of golf, Nicklaus himself doesn’t pay much heed to the Ryder Cup. In fact, he has also confessed that he often encourages young golfers to focus on their individual careers over national pride. This comes as a major surprise considering the fact that he has played for Team U.S. six times and captained the squad twice in his career.

“My feeling is that the Ryder Cup goes in cycles. I told the guys not to worry about it. There they were talking about the Ryder Cup, but I told them they have far more important things to worry about, like the four majors this year. It’s not that big a deal,” Nicklaus once told the media.

Interestingly, during his time with Team U.S., Jack Nicklaus only lost the Ryder Cup once. That was the last time he represented the American side in the prestigious event as the captain in 1987. The Europeans had just ended their 26-year winless streak in 1985, and Nicklaus was brought in to restore the glory for Team U.S. against a resurgent Tony Jacklin’s side.

Jack Nicklaus’s opinion about the Ryder Cup might be subjective due to the dominant run of Team U.S. from the 60s to mid 80s. But the recent form of the American side doesn’t justify their attitude and perception towards the tournament. Especially considering how enthusiastic their rivals are.

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The Europeans show Team U.S. what it means to play in the Ryder Cup

After winning the 2018 Ryder Cup, Ian Poulter embraced his son, teary-eyed and all, and sent a clear message to him: “That’s why you need to go and practice. You’ll never experience anything like it.” The Postman of Team Europe always delivered, whether it was on the fairway or through his passion for his country. He will be thoroughly missed in 2025, but he has laid the groundwork for a team that will carry on the tradition until his son eventually takes up the mantle.

While Luke Poulter’s debut might be a few years away, the 2025 Ryder Cup is still something the father and son will thoroughly enjoy. Every step of the way leading to Bethpage, the European players have consistently shown unity and pride in representing their country and continent. The Hatgate controversy and the $500,000 stipend that the PGA of America promised Team U.S. shocked Rory McIlroy & Co.

In response, the Irishman released a strong statement against their rivals, saying, “I personally would pay for the privilege to play in the Ryder Cup.” Many applauded McIlroy for what he said. Even the American analyst, Brandel Chamblee, stated, “Rory hits the nail on the head.”

The Ryder Cup has always been about playing for the pride of representing your country. That’s what made it the purest form of golf. Patrick Cantlay’s protest in 2023 was considered embarrassing. Even the 33-year-old admitted that he should have never done the silent protest, albeit for all the wrong reasons. Nonetheless, Team U.S. pros will play for money at Bethpage while the Europeans will play for pride.

And Luke Donald couldn’t help but point that out during the 2025 Ryder Cup ceremony a few hours ago. During his speech, the Team Europe captain couldn’t help but take a dig at his rivals and also show pride in how his entire team stood united on not receiving payment for playing at Bethpage.

“It is not about prize money or World Ranking points. It’s about pride,” Donald said as he was met with a loud cheer.

At the other end, very few in the American squad really look like they are zoned in to represent their country. With Keegan Bradley leading the charge, the likes of Scheffler, Cameron Young, Ben Griffin,  DeChambeau, Sam Burns, and Russell Henley have shown a lot of enthusiasm over the last few days.

Considering all of this, it does make you wonder, are Team U.S. serious about winning the 45th Ryder Cup at home? Or are the Europeans going to dominate at Bethpage and win the title for the fourth time in history?