There are a few things that make Team U.S. better than the Europeans going into Bethpage. They have multiple major winners like Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau, J.J. Spaun, and Collin Morikawa. Keegan Bradley also has a higher-ranked squad at his disposal. On paper, the team is also quite experienced, despite a few surprising results. But Paul Azinger still believes that Team Europe is going in as the stider.

Azinger joined Trey Wingo for an exclusive Ryder Cup discussion. During the interview, he was asked about the environment in the dressing room of Team U.S.. Azinger told Wingo, “When you first get to the hotel, which is on site, you get in there, you unpack all your Ryder Cup stuff, and you have to organize it. It’s really quiet. It’s you and your wife. And then you have to decide when do I get to hang out with these other 11 guys I never hang out with,”

Speaking about the dynamic in the American squad, Azinger shared that the usual routine of every player who joins the team includes their struggle to make first contact. He also claimed that the prestigious event “A get-to-know-you fest every Ryder Cup for the Americans.” And things will get even more complex this year with Team U.S. going in with four rookies at Bethpage. Hopefully, they adapt to the ritual sooner and get accustomed to their teammates soon after they join Team U.S. at the Ryder Cup.

However, that’s where Azinger feels Team Europe is superior. “It’s not like that for Europe. They already know each other. They’re bonded by nationality, somehow. They’re bonded by blood, and their patriotism is off the charts. They have a permanent chip on their shoulder about the U.S. team,” he said. Whether they are on the fairway or away from it, the European players are always focused on trying to break Team U.S. in the Ryder Cup.

Azinger admitted that, as much as the Americans want to beat Rory McIlroy & Co., the continental side finds it easier to dominate because they are natural at team competitions. So when Team U.S. gets to New York, “They have to unpack their stuff. They have to get settled in, situated, and comfortable. At some point, all the players have to get together that first night. They have to prepare.”

The first meeting between the players and the captain is extremely vital. As Azinger described, he usually laid out the plan for the week during this meeting and gave everyone their roles. As Paul mentioned, “I made the night no. 1 critically important as I set the stage for the caddies, the wives, and the players. I think they all appreciated that for the week. How Keegan’s going to do it, I don’t know.”

With Bradley only going in as the captain, he will have his hands full with ensuring Team U.S. has the right strategy to push for a big win at Bethpage. His methods might be different from those of Azinger, but he will still be solely focused on helping the squad win the title on home soil. However, Team Europe won’t make it easy for him as Azinger couldn’t help but end the segment with a positive comment for Rory McIlroy & Co.

“One of the consistencies Europe has is they create a similar environment every time, and our environment is dependent on the captain and his personality,” said Paul Azinger as he maintained how the European squad doesn’t fail to consistently impress him. On the other hand, you never know what Team U.S. has in its bag to their advantage or against them.

Paul Azinger is not the first expert to question the ability of Keegan Bradley and Team U.S. to defeat the mighty Europeans at Bethpage. Let’s see what others said about the tough battle.

Is Keegan Bradley’s Team U.S. strong enough to beat the Europeans?

Ever since Keegan Bradley has made his Captain’s Picks, everyone has been skeptical about Team U.S.’s chances to compete in New York. After all, Bradley was one of the best players they had in their squad. He was also in incredible form in 2025. However, his not being in the team is not the only problem.

Overall, the squad has many weak players who ruin their chances of beating Team Europe. Xander Schauffele, Patrick Cantlay, and Collin Morikawa have all been out of form recently. Bradley will have to find a way to utilize them efficiently without risking losing too many points. Lastly, having Bryson DeChambeau in the squad means Keegan will probably be short of another player in foursomes.

Experts have warned Team U.S. captain against using the LIV Golf pro in alternate ball matches. Considering all this, it will be interesting to see if Team U.S. can come out on top.