Stricker’s biggest issue at Ryder Cup is getting back trophy
SHEBOYGAN, Wis. — Padraig Harrington had a tight grip on Ryder Cup trophy Monday as the European captain walked through a white-tented corridor toward the stage for the opening press conference.
That was a fitting start to matches that are a year overdue.
Europe is the defending champion, a winner of nine of the last 12, and it doesn’t want give up possession of that 17-inch trophy.
“Obviously, there will be plenty of unknowns during the week,” Harrington said. “But at this stage, we are prepared for everything and ready to go.”
U.S. captain Steve Stricker has been preaching the importance of being even more prepared, though his unknowns are a little more obvious.
Brooks Koepka injured his left wrist again during the final round of the Tour Championship, and then he attracted the wrong kind of attention from a magazine interview that raised questions how much he really enjoys the Ryder Cup.
He has cooled his spat with Bryson DeChambeau, who has been training as much for a Long Drive competition right after the Ryder Cup. Issues?
Only one matters to Stricker, and it’s wrestling away the Ryder Cup from Europe.
“Europe brings a strong team and they play well and are tough and we always have tough matches that seem to have gone their way more times than ours lately,” Stricker said. “But we look to try to change that this week and move on.
“We are worried about this one, and just trying to win this one.”
Players from both teams arrived at Whistling Straits under a gray sky and occasional drizzle, with formal practice sessions starting Tuesday ahead of the Friday start.
Stricker said he has only spoken to Koepka and is confident he’s ready to go.
“He tells me everything is 100 percent and everything is ready and raring to go,” Stricker said. “I haven’t run into him yet today. I’ve heard that he’s here, but I haven’t seen him yet. From what I understand, he’s fully healed and ready for everything.”