Luke who has chance of special Europe trip!

WHEN the United States ran out resounding 19-9 winners at Whistling Straits in 2021, the prospects of Europe being in position to win back the Ryder Cup any time soon seemed remote.

- By ANDY HAMPSON

With a young team brimming with talent, not scarred by past defeats, the Americans looked to have the nucleus of a powerful team for years to come.

Fast forward four years and the situation has altered considerably heading into the latest event at Bethpage Black.

Europe have not only regained the trophy following a convincing success in Rome, but have a strong chance of winning away for the first time since 2012.

It is a remarkable turnaround due to various factors, not least the inception of LIV Golf and the schism it created in the sport prior to the 2023 Ryder Cup.

Yet the European team's current strength is also testament to the work done by captain Luke Donald last time out and the determination to build on that.