- New blood needed after defeat by youthful USA
- Lee Westwood to consider 2023 captaincy
In the immediate aftermath of a record defeat by the United States, Europe’s players were probably delighted there are two years to run before another Ryder Cup. The flip side is that is a short period to implement a changing of the guard. Steve Stricker’s team, which mauled Europe 19-9, had an average age of 26. Europe, at 35, looked geriatric in comparison.
The unwritten rule of Europe and Ryder Cups tells us Pádraig Harrington will bow out after a single captaincy stint. Lee Westwood is the overwhelming favourite to lead Europe in Rome in 2023, which would render his singles win over Harris English his last playing act in this event. Westwood, now 48, remains circumspect over what his future holds.
